On Friday, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal issued a legal notice to TMC Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra following controversial social media posts that he claims defamed him.
The notice demands that Moitra delete the two posts within 24 hours, issue an unconditional written apology, and provide a written undertaking that she will refrain from making similar defamatory remarks in the future.
Agarwal, who previously served as the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, says the remarks damaged his reputation and professional standing. In the posts, Moitra alleged that Agarwal was responsible for the alleged illegal disenfranchisement of hundreds of thousands of legitimate voters in West Bengal.
Agarwal’s lawyer rejected the allegations, stating that he had performed his duties in accordance with the law and the Election Commission’s directions, and that no vote theft or electoral malpractice had occurred.
The notice also seeks compensation of Rs 10 crore for alleged defamation, plus Rs 50,000 for legal and incidental expenses.
