Actress Sreelekha Mitra has received temporary protection from the Calcutta High Court in connection with multiple FIRs filed over a controversial poster featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The court has directed police not to take coercive action against the actress until December 24, while the matter remains under consideration.
Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra has received interim relief from the Calcutta High Court in a case arising from a controversial poster displayed during a political protest in Kolkata.
The legal dispute relates to a poster featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Sreelekha was allegedly holding during a demonstration. Multiple complaints and FIRs were subsequently filed against the actress.
During Friday’s hearing, the High Court directed that no coercive action be taken against Sreelekha until December 24. The matter is scheduled for a further hearing on December 14, according to the report.
The court has also asked the parties involved to file affidavits before the next stage of proceedings.
High Court Questions the Controversial Poster
During the hearing, Justice Sougata Bhattacharyya expressed strong disapproval of the poster.
The judge questioned how such an image could be displayed publicly and reportedly observed that the material could not simply be dismissed as a cartoon.
The court also questioned why an actor and an individual expected to exercise judgment and sensitivity would share or display such content publicly.
The observations reflect the court’s concern regarding the nature of the material at the centre of the dispute. However, the court’s comments should not be treated as a final determination of Sreelekha’s criminal liability.
Sreelekha Faces Multiple FIRs
Sreelekha’s lawyers told the court that 16 FIRs had been registered against the actress in connection with the controversy.
Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya and advocate Shamim Ahmed appeared for Sreelekha, according to the report.
The defence argued that while the poster could be considered objectionable or distasteful, the key legal question was whether displaying or possessing it amounted to a criminal offence warranting prosecution.
The lawyers therefore sought relief in relation to the multiple criminal complaints filed across different police jurisdictions.
What Happened During the Protest?
The controversy reportedly began on July 24, when protests were held in Kolkata over allegations surrounding the NEET examination and demands for the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Sreelekha was among those who participated in the demonstration.
A poster featuring what complainants described as a derogatory depiction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was allegedly seen in her possession during the protest.
The image subsequently circulated and triggered complaints from political activists and others.
Complaints Filed in Several Police Stations
Following the incident, complaints were reportedly filed against Sreelekha at multiple police stations.
One of the complainants named in the report is BJP leader Keya Ghosh. Complaints were also reportedly submitted at locations including the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station.
The allegations were reportedly framed under sections 352, 353 and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The exact applicability of those provisions and the legal consequences remain matters for the ongoing proceedings.
Sreelekha’s Explanation
Following the controversy, Sreelekha said that she had not properly seen the poster before the photograph was taken.
The actress reportedly explained that she did not have her glasses with her at the time and therefore could not clearly make out what image was displayed on the poster.
She also described the circumstances surrounding the protest, saying that police action, including a lathi charge, had created a chaotic situation.
According to her explanation, she took the photograph amid the commotion and did not have an opportunity to turn the poster around and examine it carefully.
Her defence has therefore focused in part on her alleged lack of knowledge about the exact contents of the poster.
State Government Opposes Sreelekha’s Plea
The state government opposed the application seeking relief for the actress.
Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Majumdar argued on behalf of the state that the poster was clearly objectionable and that the allegations required investigation.
The state’s position was that the matter should not be closed without allowing the investigation to proceed.
The defence, meanwhile, questioned whether the alleged conduct actually constituted a criminal offence.
The competing arguments leave the central legal issues to be considered by the High Court in subsequent proceedings.
Court Grants Temporary Protection
After hearing both sides, the High Court did not permit immediate coercive action against Sreelekha.
The court’s interim direction provides her with protection until December 24, according to the report.
The case is scheduled for another hearing on December 14, when the court will consider the matter further after the parties file their affidavits.
The interim order does not amount to dismissal of the FIRs or a final finding in favour of either side.
Instead, it temporarily restricts coercive action while the legal proceedings continue.
Sreelekha Reacts to the Court’s Order
Following the hearing, Sreelekha expressed relief at the court’s decision.
The actress reportedly thanked her lawyers and said that the protection was what she had expected from the judiciary.
Her response came after weeks of legal controversy surrounding the poster and the multiple complaints filed against her.
What Happens Next?
The legal dispute is not over.
Although Sreelekha has received interim protection from coercive action, the FIRs and underlying allegations remain subject to further judicial consideration.
The next important dates mentioned in the report are December 14, when the matter is scheduled to be heard again, and December 24, until which the present protection against coercive action applies.
The parties are also expected to place their respective positions before the court through affidavits.
The eventual outcome will depend on the High Court’s assessment of the allegations, applicable law and material placed before it.
A Legal Battle Still Underway
The Sreelekha Mitra case combines a political controversy with questions concerning the limits of criminal liability for allegedly offensive public material.
While the High Court expressed strong reservations about the poster itself, it has not finally determined the actress’s guilt or innocence.
For Sreelekha, the immediate significance of Friday’s order is that she has temporary protection from coercive police action while the proceedings continue.
The next hearings are therefore likely to provide greater clarity on whether the FIRs will continue, face further legal scrutiny or receive any other direction from the court.
