Supreme Court Schedules Hearing on Milan Pradhan's Interim Bail

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled an October 5 hearing to consider a petition from the Government of West Bengal challenging the interim bail of Milan Pradhan. Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the Nandigram assembly bypoll, was granted bail by the Calcutta High Court on September 29 to allow him to campaign for the October 6 election. The high court noted that Pradhan had filed his nomination before his September 18 arrest and that the state failed to prove he was wanted in the six criminal cases he faces.

Pradhan launched his campaign on September 30 after his release from a correctional home in Haldia. He alleged that police officials blindfolded him and attempted to coerce him into withdrawing his nomination before arresting him in cases dating back to 2007 protests against land acquisition. The charges include murder, attempt to murder, and Arms Act violations.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested an urgent hearing on October 1, arguing that a later date would be infructuous. However, Chief Justice Surya Kant denied the request, citing a lengthy court board and orally indicating that the court would likely dismiss the state's challenge on Monday. BJP candidate Hasi Rani Rath stated that the party would not stifle opposition voices, while the state government maintains that a murder accused with non-bailable warrants should not receive such relief.