Arrest warrant for Mahua Moitra hate speech

On August 19, 2026, a court in Krishnanagar, India — West Bengal, issued an arrest warrant against India — Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra for repeatedly failing to appear in an alleged hate speech case. The case stems from a June 12, 2026 press conference where Moitra made remarks about infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border, which were alleged to insult women, promote enmity, outrage religious feelings, and constitute criminal intimidation and hate speech under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The court had issued summonses three times, but Moitra did not appear, citing fears of being heckled. The magistrate noted her 'lackadaisical approach' and ordered the warrant, with an execution report due by August 28. Moitra had previously sought to appear virtually before the police, but the India — Supreme Court of India dismissed that plea. The India — Calcutta High Court had earlier granted her interim protection from coercive action until October 5, subject to cooperation.