Calcutta HC Grants Interim Bail to Milan Pradhan, Congress Candidate for Nandigram Bypoll

Milan Pradhan gets interim bail ahead of Nandigram bypoll

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate contesting the Nandigram Assembly bypoll, providing him relief just days before voting in the constituency.

Justice Tirthankar Ghosh granted Pradhan interim bail in six cases until October 20. The order means the Congress candidate can remain outside custody and participate in the election campaign ahead of polling scheduled for October 6.

Pradhan was arrested in old cases

Pradhan had been in judicial custody following his arrest on September 18 in connection with criminal cases dating back to the Nandigram agitation. The cases include allegations related to murder and other offences.

His arrest came after he had filed his nomination as the Congress candidate for the Nandigram bypoll. The timing of the arrest became a political issue, with Congress leaders alleging that the action was politically motivated. Those allegations are contested and do not constitute a court finding.

The state, meanwhile, has defended the legal proceedings and the cases remain subject to the judicial process.

Court imposes conditions

The interim bail is subject to conditions. Reports on the order said Pradhan will have to comply with requirements concerning his contact details and investigation, and will have to appear before the lower court after the interim bail period ends.

According to the latest reports, the interim bail remains in force until October 20, with Pradhan required to surrender before the appropriate court thereafter.

Nandigram votes on October 6

The Nandigram Assembly constituency is scheduled to vote on October 6, making the court's order significant for the campaign.

The legal proceedings surrounding Pradhan had already resulted in several hearings before the High Court. At an earlier stage, a division bench had set aside protection granted to him in one of the cases and directed him to pursue bail through the regular legal process.

The latest order now allows Pradhan to campaign outside custody during the crucial final phase of the bypoll.

Political controversy continues

Pradhan's arrest had triggered criticism from Congress leaders, who alleged that old cases were being revived to obstruct their candidate's campaign. The party's claims about political targeting remain allegations.

The High Court's interim bail order concerns Pradhan's temporary release and does not determine the merits of the criminal cases against him. The underlying proceedings will continue through the appropriate courts.