'Freedom Fighters Took Bullets, You Fear Eggs?': SC Tosses Mahua Moitra’s Plea To Skip Physical Police Probe

Published 7 August 2026 · india

News india 'Freedom Fighters Took Bullets, You Fear Eggs?': SC Tosses Mahua Moitra’s Plea To Skip Physical Police Probe 'Freedom Fighters Took Bullets, You Fear

News india 'Freedom Fighters Took Bullets, You Fear Eggs?': SC Tosses Mahua Moitra’s Plea To Skip Physical Police Probe 'Freedom Fighters Took Bullets, You Fear Eggs?': SC Tosses Mahua Moitra’s Plea To Skip Physical Police Probe Written By, Last Updated: August 07, 2026, 16:59 IST In her plea, the Krishnanagar MP had cited safety concerns and the threat of public harassment, including egg-pelting by political opponents A group of people hurled eggs at the TMC MLA’s office where Mahua Moitra was meeting workers in West Bengal’s Nadia last month. File pic/PTI The Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition filed by Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra seeking permission to join a police investigation through videoconferencing. Challenging a Calcutta High Court directive that required her physical presence before the investigating officer, the Krishnanagar MP cited safety concerns and the threat of public harassment, including egg-pelting by political opponents. A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu firmly dismissed the MP’s apprehensions.

Questioning why an elected representative should seek special dispensation to avoid facing a local police station, the bench observed that public figures must remain resilient in the face of political hostility. “You are a Member of Parliament? Having taken the plunge into politics, you fear eggs? When our freedom fighters have taken bullets on their chest? These are applications that should not come before this court at all," Justice Datta remarked during the hearing. Following the court’s strong disinclination to interfere with the High Court’s order, Moitra’s counsel withdrew the petition, leading to its formal dismissal as withdrawn. The Dispute and Origin of the FIR The criminal case stems from a complaint lodged by a Bharatiya Janata Party leader at Hogalbaria police station in West Bengal’s Nadia district. The complaint alleged that Moitra uploaded provocative social media videos capable of hurting religious sentiments and disturbing public harmony. The controversy began when a group of opposition activists reportedly assembled outside a district court carrying eggs and tomatoes ahead of Moitra’s scheduled appearance in an earlier case.

In response, the MP posted videos warning of legal action against the demonstrators and making controversial remarks that subsequently triggered the criminal complaint. High Court Mandate and Safety Directives Last month, the Calcutta High Court granted Moitra interim protection from coercive action, safeguarding her against arrest until October. However, the High Court expressly directed her to cooperate with the investigating agency and appear in person before the investigating officer on August 14. Before the top court, Moitra’s legal counsel argued that she faced documented hostility and mob confrontation at the local police station in her constituency. The defence submitted that statutory provisions allow individuals to be questioned virtually or at their residence under specific circumstances involving personal safety concerns. The apex court rejected the plea for virtual participation, noting that the High Court had already instructed local police authorities to ensure she is protected from harassment or physical disruption during her appearance. Moitra is now required to physically present herself for questioning on August 14 as directed by the High Court.