New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday resolved the dispute surrounding Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra’s accommodation at the Krishnanagar Circuit House in West Bengal. Providing major relief to the parliamentarian, the apex court ordered that the district administration must ensure proper accommodation protocols are followed upon receiving merely a one-day prior notice from the MP.
The top court’s directive modifies a previous circular dated September 1, which strictly mandated a three-to-four-day advance notice for circuit house bookings. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter after Moitra filed a plea seeking immediate intervention and adequate security during her constituency visits, particularly amidst the ongoing Durga Puja festivities.
During the proceedings, Justice Bagchi strongly emphasized the rights of elected representatives, noting, “If she wants to visit her constituency, all necessary arrangements should be made.”
Moitra, represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, had moved the court seeking interim relief, alleging that administrative officials in Nadia district had abruptly evicted her from the state-owned circuit house a few days earlier, despite a confirmed room allocation. The Krishnanagar MP had also claimed in an August 14 social media post that a large crowd gathered outside the circuit house shouting “Jai Shri Ram” slogans after she refused to vacate her room. Highlighting the severity of the alleged harassment, she had previously written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking his intervention.
In her complaint, Moitra asserted that she was not informed about any cancellation or restriction on her booking, either at the time of reservation or upon her arrival at the facility. She further pointed out that the circuit house, located directly opposite the official residences of the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police in Krishnanagar, ought to be a highly secure zone.
Addressing another grievance raised by the TMC leader regarding alleged obstructions in utilizing MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) funds, the Supreme Court instructed local authorities to thoroughly address her complaints. The bench also clarified that Moitra is free to approach the High Court if she remains dissatisfied with the local administration’s response.