Supreme Court to Hear MP Mahua Moitra’s Petition Over Night Eviction from Nadia Circuit House

The Supreme Court will consider a petition on Thursday from Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, who says district officials forced her out of a state‑run circuit house in Nadia, West Bengal. The incident occurred late at night in August when she was staying overnight after a Parliament session. Moitra claims she had been allotted a room but was ordered to leave by the district administration, a move she describes as harassment.

What Happened

A three‑judge bench, headed by the chief justice and joined by Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was asked to defer the case because Moitra’s counsel, Gopal Sankaranarayanan, was occupied with other matters. The bench instead scheduled the matter for a fresh hearing on Thursday.

Reaction

During the brief hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta objected to an MP directly approaching the apex court, calling the filing unusual and noting factual inaccuracies. Moitra’s lawyer argued that the issue raises a constitutional question, cited a protective order already issued by the High Court, and urged an early listing. Moitra wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking his help, alleging the district authorities tried to make her vacate despite her right to stay as a member of Parliament. She said a large crowd gathered outside the circuit house, chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, after she refused to leave. The property, located opposite the residences of the district superintendent of police and the district magistrate, is meant to be a secure zone where such gatherings should not happen.

Context

The case highlights tensions between elected representatives and local administrations over the use of official accommodations. It also raises questions about the proper channel for MPs to raise grievances that involve constitutional rights.