Now Reading: SC tells Mahua Moitra: Freedom fighters faced bullets, you fear eggs
-
01
SC tells Mahua Moitra: Freedom fighters faced bullets, you fear eggs
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed TMC MP Mahua Moitra's plea to appear virtually before police in a case over provocative Facebook posts. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu…
The Story in Brief
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed TMC MP Mahua Moitra's plea to appear virtually before police in a case over provocative Facebook posts. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu remarked, "You are an MP? Having taken the plunge into politics, you fear eggs? When our freedom fighters have taken bullets on their chest?"
The case stems from an FIR filed by BJP leader Hirak Bhattacharya in June after Moitra posted two videos. In one, she said she would file a complaint if eggs were thrown at her; in another, she allegedly remarked that protesters should wear burqas to hide their identity. The Calcutta High Court had earlier granted her interim protection but ordered her to appear in person before the investigating officer on August 14. Moitra's counsel cited safety concerns after eggs were thrown at her previously, but the court refused relief, noting the high court had already ensured no harassment.
The Indian Opinion
The Supreme Court's sharp rebuke to Mahua Moitra, contrasting her fear of egg-throwing with the sacrifices of freedom fighters, cuts through a familiar political theatrics. Both sides of this dispute, the MP citing safety concerns and the court insisting on physical presence, can be accused of posturing. Moitra's claim of hostile crowds is not baseless, but the judiciary's reminder that elected representatives must face public engagement, however unpleasant, is equally valid. The real test will be whether the police ensure her safety during the physical appearance, as ordered by the high court, or if further escalation follows.
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
