Calcutta High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee in Bigamy Case
The Calcutta High Court has granted anticipatory bail to actor-turned-BJP MLA Hiranmoy (Hiran) Chatterjee in connection with a case of alleged bigamy filed by his first wife, Anindita Chatterjee. Justice Jay Sengupta issued the order on Wednesday, providing relief to the legislator amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
Court Conditions and Legal Arguments
According to Hiran Chatterjee's counsel, Anindo Sundar Das, the court has imposed specific conditions as part of the bail grant. The MLA is required to fully cooperate with the investigation and must appear before the Anandapur police station every 15 days. Das emphasized that the court found no necessity for custodial interrogation, despite arguments from the opposing counsel advocating for it.
In a statement to The Indian Express, Das elaborated on the defense's position. He stated, "My client has clarified that during a film shooting, certain photographs were taken and later mischievously uploaded on social media. Hiran Chatterjee asserts that he has been married for 26 years and denies any second marriage. Additionally, the allegations of mental and physical torture, along with domestic violence, are entirely false. Why would such claims surface suddenly after so many years?" Das further noted that the MLA has filed a formal complaint regarding the matter.
Background of the Case
The controversy erupted in January when photographs purportedly showing Hiran Chatterjee and model Ritika Giri's marriage ceremony in Varanasi went viral on social media. The images depicted Giri in a red Banarasi saree and Chatterjee in a yellow kurta, sparking widespread speculation and public scrutiny.
In response, Anindita Chatterjee publicly questioned the legality of the second marriage, labeling it as "illegal." She filed a formal complaint at the Anandapur police station, alleging both mental and physical abuse. Based on her allegations, the Kolkata Police registered a case against Hiran Chatterjee under multiple non-bailable sections, prompting him to seek anticipatory bail from the Calcutta High Court.
Political Context and Implications
Hiran Chatterjee, who joined the BJP ahead of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls and won from the Kharagpur Sadar constituency in Paschim Medinipur, has already commenced his campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections. This legal development occurs against a backdrop of heightened political activity in the state, potentially impacting his electoral prospects and public image.
The case highlights ongoing tensions within personal and political spheres, with the judiciary playing a critical role in balancing legal procedures and individual rights. As the investigation continues, all parties are expected to adhere to the court's directives while the matter unfolds further in the legal system.
