What security does Mahua Moitra actually have? West Bengal tells the Calcutta High Court an MP is entitled to one PSO around the clock; her counsel disputes that she is presently receiving such cover.
Kolkata: On a plea by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra seeking security over alleged incidents of mob attacks and egg pelting, the West Bengal government has told the Calcutta High Court that an MP is entitled to one Personal Security Officer (PSO) around the clock. Her counsel disputed the submission that she is presently being given such cover [Mahua Moitra v. State of West Bengal and Others].
Supplementary affidavits were allowed by the Court, which also permitted the Ministry of Home Affairs to be impleaded as a party. The matter has been listed for hearing on December 2.
Where the plea began
The plea follows an earlier interim order in which Justice Saugata Bhattacharya directed the State to deploy two police personnel to protect Ms Moitra from egg pelting and similar attacks while she is in her Krishnanagar constituency. On that occasion the Court told the State to “deal with this menace with iron hands”, warning that otherwise it would be beyond its control. The allegations of mob harassment are those of the petitioner and are yet to be tested.
The State’s position, and the dispute over it
As put before the Court, the State’s position is that an MP is entitled to a single PSO round the clock. It also told the Court that Ms Moitra has been given “X” category security. Her counsel disputed that she is currently receiving the cover the State described. The Court has not recorded any finding on which account is correct, and the factual dispute will be addressed through the supplementary affidavits.
Why the order matters
Impleading the Union Home Ministry widens the case beyond the State, since security classifications and central cover for elected representatives can involve both governments.
The hearing now turns on a plain factual question, what protection Ms Moitra is actually receiving, set against what the State says she is entitled to.
Both sides’ contentions remain to be tested on affidavit, and the Court has expressed no view on the merits.
Case Title: Mahua Moitra v. State of West Bengal and Others (title and case number to be verified)
Bench: Calcutta High Court
Date of Hearing: October 14, 2026
Next Date: December 2, 2026