3 days ago
Calcutta High Court Hears Congress Candidate’s Interim Bail Plea
Milan Pradhan is the Congress candidate for an election in Nandigram.
He was arrested in connection with several criminal cases from 2007.
He asked the Calcutta High Court to release him temporarily so he could campaign.
The state government opposed his request.
It said the cases include accusations of murder and attempted murder.
Pradhan’s lawyer said he would follow any rules set by the court.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh listened to both sides and reserved his decision.
The election is scheduled for October 6, and counting is scheduled for October 9.
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan sought interim bail to campaign in the October 6 Nandigram by-election.
The West Bengal government opposed bail, citing murder and attempted-murder charges from the 2007 Nandigram movement.
Pradhan’s lawyer said he would follow any conditions imposed by the court.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh reserved his order after hearing arguments, with a decision expected Monday.
A division bench separately set aside an order protecting Pradhan from police action until October 12.
- Who
- Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the Nandigram by-election, and the West Bengal government.
- What
- The Calcutta High Court heard Pradhan’s request for interim bail so he could campaign.
- Where
- The Calcutta High Court in West Bengal; the cases were registered in Nandigram and Khejuri.
- When
- The hearing was reported on September 25; the by-election is scheduled for October 6, campaigning ends October 4, and counting is October 9.
- Why
- Pradhan sought temporary release to campaign after being arrested in cases linked to the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement.
Milan Pradhan’s Position
West Bengal Government’s Position
Interim bail for campaigning
Milan Pradhan’s Position
Pradhan’s lawyer asked for temporary bail so he could contest and campaign, saying Pradhan would obey any conditions imposed by the court.
West Bengal Government’s Position
The state opposed bail, arguing that Pradhan faces serious charges, including murder and attempted murder.
Protection from police action
Milan Pradhan’s Position
Pradhan had sought protection from coercive action in several cases.
West Bengal Government’s Position
A division bench set aside the earlier order preventing police action, stating that an accused can seek bail after arrest or anticipatory bail when apprehending arrest.
Key facts
- Candidate
- Milan Pradhan of the Congress
- Election
- Nandigram by-election on October 6
- Campaign deadline
- Campaigning ends October 4
- Counting
- Votes are scheduled to be counted October 9
- Arrest
- Pradhan was arrested by Purba Medinipur Police on September 18
- Charges
- The cases include murder and attempted murder allegations
- Court status
- Justice Tirthankar Ghosh reserved the interim bail order
Sources
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