The Battle for Henry Mahua Moitra Takes the Dog Custody Fight to High Court:

The long-standing and often acrimonious legal battle between TMC MP Mahua Moitra and her former partner, advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, has reached a new peak. On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Delhi High Court waded back into the dispute over their pet Rottweiler, Henry, as Moitra challenged a lower court's refusal to grant her even temporary time with the dog.

For the uninitiated, Henry is no ordinary pet; he has become a central figure in a saga that famously intertwined personal heartbreak with the "cash-for-query" allegations that led to Moitra’s expulsion from Parliament in late 2023.

What Happened in Court Today?

Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri presided over the hearing following Moitra's appeal against a Saket District Court order from November 2025.

The Appeal: Moitra is challenging the lower court's decision to deny her interim custody for 10 days every month.

The High Court's Stance: The court has officially issued a notice to Jai Anant Dehadrai, seeking his formal response to Moitra’s plea.

The Defense: Dehadrai, who appeared in person today, argued that the case is "frivolous" and should be dismissed immediately. He maintains that he is the sole legal owner, having purchased Henry in 2021.

Next Date: The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for April 29, 2026.

The "Love and Care" Argument

Moitra’s legal team, led by advocates Dhruv Malik and Kirti Raj, argued that the Saket court made a "legal and factual error." They contend that:

Possession vs. Ownership: While Dehadrai may have paid for the dog, the animal was gifted to Moitra for her "love and care."

Primary Caretaker: The plea claims Henry lived primarily at Moitra’s residence, only staying with Dehadrai when she was away on official duty in her constituency.

Best Interests of the Pet: Moitra argues that being an "inseparable part" of Henry's life, her complete exclusion from his care is detrimental to the dog's well-being.

A Feud Beyond the Kennel

The fight over Henry is deeply symbolic. In 2023, Dehadrai alleged that Moitra’s lawyer had once tried to "coerce" him into withdrawing a criminal complaint in exchange for custody of the dog. Moitra, in turn, has previously accused Dehadrai of "trespassing" and "kidnapping" Henry from her home.

While the "cash-for-query" case continues to move through various legal and political channels, the battle for Henry remains the most human—and arguably the most bitter—element of this rivalry. For now, Henry remains with Dehadrai, but the High Court's notice ensures that the tug-of-war for the "rottweiler in the middle" is far from over.