Full Breakdown
Supreme Court Adjourns Hearing on Bail Challenge for Congress Candidate Milan Pradhan
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Core Event: Adjournment and Interim Bail Details
The Supreme Court on Monday postponed the hearing on West Bengal’s plea against the interim bail granted to Congress’s Nandigram by-poll candidate Milan Pradhan. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, scheduled the matter for October 7 and instructed the parties to “let him contest and conclude the elections peacefully.” The interim bail, issued by a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on September 29, allows Pradhan to campaign for the October 6 election and remains in force until October 21.
Background & Context: By-poll and Criminal Allegations
The Nandigram Assembly by-poll was triggered after Suvendu Adhikari vacated the seat. Pradhan was arrested on September 18, shortly after the Trinamool Congress candidate withdrew and party chief Mamata Banerjee announced her support. The state argues that the bail order overlooks six criminal cases dating to the 2007 anti-land-acquisition agitation, including four murder charges and six non-bailable warrants. Pradhan’s campaign resumed later this month, focusing on local infrastructure deficits and alleging political motivation behind his arrest.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need for a peaceful election process while noting the bench’s inability to proceed due to a judge’s conflict of interest. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted that the 2007 FIRs were only now being raised and called for action against police officers who failed to execute the non-bailable warrants. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Pradhan, argued that the appeal is unnecessary while the bail remains interim.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let him contest and conclude the elections peacefully,” — Chief Justice, headed by chief
- “These are 2007 FIRs. On an occasion when he wants to contest the elections, then suddenly you come to know. First of all, action should be taken against those police officers who failed to execute the NBWs.” — Tushar Mehta
Data & Statistics
- Six criminal cases against Pradhan, including four murder charges.
- Six non-bailable warrants issued.
- Bail bond of INR20,00 required in each case.
- Interim bail effective September 29 – expires October 21.
- Election timeline: campaigning ends October 4, voting on October 6, counting on October 9.