NEW DELHI (Tuesday, March 10, 2026) — The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra regarding a revision petition filed by her former partner, advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai. The petition seeks to dismiss Moitra’s lawsuit for shared custody of their pet Rottweiler, Henry, and argues that the legal action is “barred by law.”
The Legal Tug-of-War Over Henry
The dispute over the three-year-old Rottweiler has evolved into a complex legal battle following the couple’s personal fallout and the broader “cash-for-query” controversy.
- Dehadrai’s Revision Petition: Dehadrai is challenging a November 10, 2025, district court order that refused to reject Moitra’s lawsuit at the initial stage. He contends that there is no legally cognizable “cause of action” for pet custody under current Indian law and has requested a stay on the trial court proceedings.
- The High Court’s Stance: Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri issued a notice to Moitra to file her response but declined to stay the trial court proceedings at this juncture. “Not in their absence, please,” the judge remarked, emphasizing that an interim stay cannot be granted without hearing both sides.
- Moitra’s Counter-Appeal: Moitra has a separate appeal pending in the High Court challenging the district court’s refusal to grant her 10-day interim custody of Henry every month. She argues that she was a “co-parent” to Henry and that the dog resided primarily with her.
Key Contentions
The case touches upon the unique legal status of pets in India, where animals are traditionally treated as “property” rather than family members with custody rights.
| Party | Core Argument |
| Jai Anant Dehadrai | Claims sole ownership; purchased Henry in 2021 for ₹75,000. Argues Moitra’s suit for shared custody is “bizarre” and legally unsustainable. |
| Mahua Moitra | Asserts an “oral agreement” for shared custody. Claims a deep emotional bond equivalent to a parent and seeks “specific performance” of that agreement. |
Upcoming Hearings
The High Court has now consolidated the timeline for these intertwined legal matters:
- April 29, 2026: Hearing on Mahua Moitra’s appeal for interim 10-day monthly custody.
- May 14, 2026: Further hearing on Jai Anant Dehadrai’s revision petition to dismiss the entire lawsuit.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Delhi HC seeks Mahua Moitra’s stand on lawyer’s plea over custody of pet” (March 10, 2026)
- Bar and Bench: “Jai Dehadrai moves Delhi High Court seeking dismissal of Mahua Moitra’s plea for pet dog’s custody” (March 10, 2026)
- Hindustan Times: “Delhi HC refuses to stay proceedings against TMC MP’s ex-partner over pet dog” (March 10, 2026)
- ANI News: “Delhi HC issues notice to TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Dehadrai’s revision against suit for custody of Dog Henry” (March 10, 2026)
- The Pioneer: “Delhi High Court Seeks Jai Anant Dehadrai’s Stand on Mahua Moitra’s Plea for Shared Custody of Pet Dog” (February 20, 2026)
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