The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the West Bengal government to ensure that Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra receives the necessary cooperation from local authorities and police when visiting her Krishnanagar constituency, urging the state to make appropriate arrangements ahead of the Durga Puja and Diwali festivities.
The court also suggested that a protocol could be put in place for visits by MPs to their constituencies, with the solicitor general agreeing that one should exist. Moitra, who represents Krishnanagar in the Lok Sabha, moved the Supreme Court seeking guidelines to ensure that MPs receive the cooperation of local authorities and police while visiting their constituencies and carrying out development works under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme. The plea followed a series of incidents that she alleged had impeded her ability to discharge her responsibilities as an elected representative. The court has kept that objection open as it considers the request for interim arrangements.
One of the key grievances concerned her eviction from the Nadia Circuit House on the night of August 14, when, according to her petition, a large crowd had gathered outside the premises, abusing and threatening her, while her requests for police assistance went unanswered. On October 1, the Supreme Court had sought responses from the West Bengal government and the Centre on Moitra’s plea, expressing concern over the district administration’s requirement that an MP inform it three days in advance before visiting the area and accessing the Circuit House.
“There can be a kind of protocol when MPs visit,” observed the bench, adding that the upcoming festivities made the issue pressing.
The state and Centre have challenged the maintainability of the petition, with Mehta previously cautioning that allowing an MP to bring personal grievances directly before the Supreme Court could set a precedent.
