A Kolkata court has directed Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra to remove social media posts concerning West Bengal chief secretary Manoj Agarwal and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, while restraining her from making or repeating defamatory statements against the bureaucrat.
The interim order was issued by the Civil Judge (Senior Division), First Court, Alipore, after Agarwal approached the court alleging that Moitra had made unsubstantiated accusations about his role in the electoral-roll revision exercise. The order requires the Krishnanagar MP to delete the posts within 24 hours of receiving it, including through email.
The court said the restraint applies to publishing, posting or sharing any defamatory statement or comment against Agarwal, including statements connected with two posts that Moitra allegedly made on X on October 3 and 6. The order also covers comments linked to the conduct of this year’s West Bengal Assembly elections, according to the report by PTI published in Telegraph India.
The judge clarified that the order would not restrain fair criticism of the Special Intensive Revision exercise or of any official decision. The distinction allows public discussion of the electoral process to continue while placing limits on statements that the court may ultimately find defamatory.
The order was passed ex parte, meaning it was issued before Moitra’s side was heard. The court directed that notice be issued to the MP, asking her to show cause why the interim order should not continue until the disposal of Agarwal’s application. Moitra said she would file a vacating application to reinforce her rights.
The court has permitted Moitra to file a written objection along with the material on which she relies. It also said she could apply under the relevant rules for the order to be discharged, varied or set aside. The interim restraint will remain in force until January 5, 2027, when the matter is scheduled for another hearing.
Agarwal, a 1990-batch IAS officer, sought the injunction against the publication, posting or sharing of defamatory statements or comments against him. He became West Bengal chief secretary after the BJP came to power in May, having previously served as the state’s chief electoral officer.
The court recorded that Agarwal served as chief electoral officer from April 3, 2025, to May 11, 2026, under the superintendence, direction and control of the Election Commission of India. His complaint concerned claims about his role in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Agarwal stated that the chief electoral officer does not have the power to delete or include any name independently.
The next procedural step is Moitra’s written objection and her proposed application seeking to vacate or modify the interim order. The court will consider whether the restraint should continue at the hearing scheduled for January 5, 2027.
