Mahua Moitra faces interim court restraint over ‘defamatory statements’ on Bengal chief secretary

A Kolkata court has barred AITC MP Mahua Moitra from making any “defamatory statement” against Bengal chief secretary Manoj Agarwal, following his complaint that she had levelled unsubstantiated accusations against him over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Civil Judge (Senior Division), First Court, Alipore, issued the order on Wednesday, directing the Krishnanagar MP to remove her social media posts concerning Agarwal and the SIR exercise, as well as the conduct of this year's West Bengal Assembly elections, within 24 hours of receiving the order.

The court clarified, however, that its directive would not “restrain fair criticism of the SIR or of any official decision”.

In an ex-parte interim order, the court restrained Moitra from publishing, posting, or repeating "any defamatory statement" against Agarwal, including any statement connected to two posts in question which she allegedly made on her X on October 3 and 6.

Moitra, however, said on Thursday she will file a vacating application to reinforce her rights.

The judge directed the MP to delete the posts from her social media handle within 24 hours of receiving the order, including receipt by e-mail.

The court directed that notice be issued to Moitra to show cause why the interim order passed by it should not continue until the disposal of Agarwal's application.

The court said the interim order will be in force till January 5, 2027, when the matter will be heard again.

Permitting Moitra to file her written objection with all material she relies upon, the judge further directed that the MP will be at liberty to apply under relevant rules for discharge, variation or setting aside of this order.

The 1990-batch IAS officer moved the Alipore court seeking an order of interim injunction against Moitra from publishing or posting or sharing any defamatory statement or comment against him.

Agarwal, who was appointed chief secretary of West Bengal after the BJP came to power in May, held the post of chief electoral officer of the state prior to that.

The court noted that Agarwal held the office of chief electoral officer under the West Bengal government from April 3, 2025 to May 11, 2026 and "was working under the superintendence, direction and control of the Election Commission of India".

Claiming that Moitra made unsubstantiated claims in her social media posts with regard to his role in the SIR of electoral rolls in West Bengal, Agarwal stated that the CEO has no power to delete or include any name on his own.