MAHUA MOITRA’s plea to appear virtually before the West Bengal Police was declined by the Supreme Court, which directed her to cooperate with the investigation as per the Calcutta High Court’s order.
Top court says public representatives should cooperate with investigations and declines request for virtual appearance before investigating officer.
By Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi | August 7, 2026
MAHUA MOITRA faced a setback in the Supreme Court on Friday after the apex court declined to entertain her plea seeking permission to appear before a West Bengal Police investigating officer through video conferencing. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament had argued that she feared possible attacks while visiting the police station in connection with an FIR registered against her.
A Bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu questioned the necessity of allowing a virtual appearance and observed that elected representatives are expected to cooperate with the investigation process. During the hearing, the court remarked that concerns over eggs being thrown should not become a reason to avoid appearing before the investigating officer. Justice Datta also referred to the sacrifices made by India’s freedom fighters while expressing the court’s unwillingness to entertain such a request.
Court Says Investigation Must Continue as Per Law
The case against MAHUA MOITRA, the MP from Krishnanagar, stems from a complaint lodged by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader over remarks allegedly made by her in two videos shared on social media. The complaint led to the registration of an FIR by the West Bengal Police.
Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing on behalf of Moitra, argued that his client had genuine security concerns. He informed the court that during an earlier visit to her constituency, BJP supporters had allegedly gathered outside a court carrying eggs and tomatoes, and that eggs had previously been thrown at her. On that basis, he requested that she be permitted to cooperate with the investigation through video conferencing.
The Supreme Court, however, observed that the Calcutta High Court had already granted interim protection to Moitra while directing her to appear before the investigating officer on August 14. The Bench stated that she should comply with the High Court’s order and cooperate with the investigation. It further indicated that any grievance arising after compliance could be raised before the appropriate forum.
Following the court’s observations, Moitra’s counsel sought permission to withdraw the petition. The Supreme Court accordingly dismissed the plea as withdrawn.
The matter has attracted political attention in West Bengal, where opposition and ruling party leaders have previously alleged instances of political intimidation during public appearances. The investigation into the FIR will now proceed in accordance with the directions issued by the Calcutta High Court.
