TMC MP Mahua Moitra Moves Delhi High Court in Custody Battle Over Pet Rottweiler Henry
Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra has escalated her legal fight for custody of her pet Rottweiler, Henry, by approaching the Delhi High Court. On Thursday, she filed a petition challenging a November 10, 2023 order from a Saket court that denied her request for 10-day monthly custody of the dog.
High Court Issues Notice, Sets Hearing Date
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri of the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Moitra's ex-partner and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, seeking his response to the plea. The matter has been officially listed for hearing on April 29, 2024, marking the next chapter in this protracted legal dispute.
In her petition, Moitra has argued that the lower court's order is "bad in law and fact." She contends that Henry primarily resided with her, except during periods when she traveled outside Delhi for official duties in her constituency. During those times, the dog stayed with Dehadrai, according to her submission.
Dehadrai Seeks Dismissal, Background of the Dispute
Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai appeared in person before the high court and submitted that the petition should be dismissed at the outset (in limine), as reported by news agency ANI. This custody dispute over the Rottweiler has been pending before the Saket court for some time.
The legal confrontation stems from a personal fallout between Moitra and Dehadrai that later escalated into multiple public and legal battles. The couple were reportedly in a relationship and jointly owned Henry, but after their relationship soured—amid Dehadrai's public allegations against Moitra in the 'cash-for-query' controversy—the custody of the dog became a central point of contention.
Conflicting Claims and Previous Court Orders
Dehadrai has claimed that he purchased Henry in 2021 for Rs 75,000 and had been caring for him since the dog was just 40 days old. In contrast, Moitra has alleged that Dehadrai trespassed into her residence and took Henry without her consent.
This is not the first time the Delhi High Court has been involved in this matter. In September 2023, the court issued a notice to Moitra on an appeal filed by Dehadrai against a trial court order that had directed him not to publicise the case. Justice Manoj Jain had then asked Moitra to file her response, while senior advocate Sanjoy Ghosh appeared for Dehadrai.
The trial court had previously directed both parties to "ensure that the present proceedings shall not be publicised in any manner." Dehadrai challenged this direction, arguing that the "sweeping gag order" prevented him from even disclosing the existence of the case in the public domain.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Implications
Moitra had earlier filed a custody suit against Dehadrai over Henry, which was purchased by him in 2021. The case highlights the intersection of personal disputes, pet ownership rights, and legal procedures in high-profile scenarios.
As the hearing date of April 29 approaches, both parties are expected to present their arguments in detail. The outcome could set a precedent for similar pet custody cases involving public figures in India, emphasizing the emotional and legal complexities of such disputes.
