The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by the West Bengal government on October 5 contesting the interim bail granted to Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in six criminal cases registered during the 2007 Nandigram agitation.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the state’s petition for urgent consideration on Wednesday before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana. Mehta requested an early listing after informing the bench that Pradhan had received interim relief specifically for election-related activities. The Chief Justice subsequently fixed the hearing for October 5.
Calcutta High Court Relief And Surrender Timeline
The state administration moved the top court following an order passed by the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday. The High Court had granted Pradhan interim bail through October 20 so that he could campaign for the upcoming bypoll in the Nandigram assembly constituency.
Alongside the temporary release, the High Court instructed Pradhan to surrender before the relevant trial court on October 21.
Bypoll Significance And 2007 Criminal Charges
Voting in the Nandigram by-election is scheduled for October 6. The assembly seat became vacant after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari chose to retain the Bhabanipur constituency, having won both seats during the state assembly elections held earlier this year.
Pradhan faces six criminal cases originating from the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram. The formal charges filed against him include murder, attempt to murder, and violations of the Arms Act.
