Mahua Moitra – Delhi High Court Seeks Response in Pet Custody Case
Mahua Moitra – Senior Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has moved the Delhi High Court seeking custody of her pet dog, Henry, who is currently in the care of her former partner, advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai. The matter came up for hearing this week, adding another chapter to the ongoing legal disputes between the two.
High Court Issues Notice to Former Partner
The case was heard by Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, who issued a notice to Dehadrai and directed him to file his response by April 29, the next date fixed for hearing. Moitra has challenged a previous order of a trial court that declined to grant her interim custody of the Rottweiler.
In her plea before the lower court last year, Moitra had sought temporary custody of Henry for 10 days each month. However, on November 10, the trial court rejected her request. Dissatisfied with that decision, she has now approached the High Court seeking relief.
The High Court’s notice does not determine the outcome of the dispute but ensures that both sides will present their arguments before the court proceeds further.
Background of Ongoing Legal Disputes
The custody battle is part of a broader and prolonged legal conflict between Moitra and Dehadrai, who were previously in a personal relationship. Over the past few years, their differences have spilled into multiple legal proceedings.
The dispute has drawn attention not only because of the individuals involved but also due to the larger political and legal controversies surrounding Moitra in recent months.
Allegations Linked to Parliamentary Conduct
Earlier, Dehadrai had levelled serious allegations against Moitra, claiming that she accepted bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in Parliament. Following these claims, BJP Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey submitted a formal complaint to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
The complaint triggered a review by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, which examined the allegations concerning Moitra’s conduct as a Member of Parliament. The committee subsequently recommended her expulsion from the House.
Expulsion from Lok Sabha
Acting on the Ethics Committee’s recommendation, the Lok Sabha voted to remove Moitra from Parliament on December 8, 2023. The decision marked a significant development in the controversy and intensified the political debate around the case.
Moitra has consistently denied wrongdoing and has described the allegations as politically motivated. However, the matter has continued to unfold through both parliamentary and investigative processes.
CBI Registers FIR
In a further development, the Central Bureau of Investigation registered a First Information Report on March 21, 2024, against Moitra and Darshan Hiranandani. The FIR alleges corrupt practices, including the acceptance of bribes and the sharing of Moitra’s Lok Sabha login credentials.
The registration of the FIR brought the matter into the domain of a formal criminal investigation. Authorities have indicated that the probe is ongoing.
Separate Legal Track on Pet Custody
While the corruption allegations and parliamentary action have dominated headlines, the current proceedings before the Delhi High Court relate specifically to the custody of Henry. Legal experts note that disputes over pet custody, though civil in nature, can become complex when intertwined with broader personal and legal conflicts.
For now, the High Court has sought Dehadrai’s response and will consider the submissions of both parties at the next hearing. The case underscores how personal disputes can intersect with public life when prominent political figures are involved.
The outcome of the custody plea will depend on the court’s assessment of the arguments and applicable law. Until then, the matter remains under judicial consideration.