Mahua Moitra Raises Concern Over Restrictions on Her Work as MP

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and West Bengal government on a petition filed by Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra. She has alleged that State authorities and police are not allowing her to freely access her constituency and perform her duties as an MP. The case raises important issues related to the functioning of Opposition MPs, role of State authorities, political violence and federalism.

Why in the News?

On October 1, 2026, the Supreme Court of India asked the Union government and West Bengal government to respond to Ms. Moitra's petition.

  • The case was heard by a Bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
  • The court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to file responses on behalf of the Centre and the State government.
  • The allegations made in the petition are yet to be decided by the court.

What Has Mahua Moitra Alleged?

Ms. Moitra has alleged that after the change in West Bengal's government in May 2026, she has faced several difficulties in carrying out her duties as an MP. She has alleged that government officials and police have not provided the support needed for her constituency work. According to the petition:-

  • She was allegedly prevented from freely accessing her constituency.
  • Attempts were allegedly made to remove her from her local accommodation at the Circuit House.
  • Development work under the MPLAD scheme was allegedly delayed or stopped.
  • She was allegedly not allowed to hold some public meetings.
  • She alleged that politically affiliated groups had physically attacked and threatened her.
  • She also referred to the registration of multiple FIRs against her.

About MPLADS

The MPLADS is a central sector scheme fully funded by the Govt. of India, first launched in 1993. The scheme enables Hon’ble MPs to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on creation of durable assets in areas of drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation, roads, etc primarily in their constituencies.

Alleged Lack of Police and Administrative Support

Ms. Moitra has claimed that local police and district officials did not provide adequate support when she tried to perform her duties. She has specifically referred to her visits to MPLAD works in her constituency. According to the petition:

  • Police allegedly refused to help her inspect ongoing MPLAD works.
  • District officials allegedly did not accompany her during such visits.
  • She claimed that complaints about threats and attacks did not receive adequate responses.
  • The petition also alleges that some BJP-affiliated individuals made serious threats against her.

These are allegations made in the petition and have not been established by the Supreme Court at this stage.

Why Has Federalism Been Raised?

Ms. Moitra has argued that a State government should not prevent an elected MP from performing parliamentary and constituency duties.

  • She has described such alleged obstruction as a concern for the federal principle.
  • The issue is important because an MP represents the people of a constituency even when their political party is in the Opposition in the State.

Political Change in West Bengal

According to Ms. Moitra's petition, the BJP came to power in West Bengal in May 2026, while her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), moved into the Opposition.

  • She has alleged that after this political change, the difference between the ruling party and government administration became blurred.
  • The State government and other respondents will have an opportunity to present their position before the Supreme Court.

What Will the Supreme Court Examine?

The Supreme Court has currently only sought responses from the Centre and West Bengal government. The case may require examination of issues such as:

  • Whether an elected MP was prevented from performing official duties.
  • Whether adequate police protection and administrative support were provided.
  • Whether the alleged obstruction affected her ability to access her constituency.
  • Whether the actions complained of raise concerns about federalism and democratic functioning.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court of India sought responses from the Union government and the West Bengal government on a petition filed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, who alleged that actions by state authorities were restricting her ability to carry out her duties as an elected representative. The Supreme Court's decision to seek responses from the Centre and West Bengal government brings the allegations into judicial consideration. The case is important from the perspective of democratic functioning, federalism, administrative neutrality, and the rights of elected representatives.