MILAN PRADHAN BAIL ROW MOVES TO SUPREME COURT AHEAD OF NANDIGRAM POLL

September 30, 2026

The Supreme Court will hear on October 5 the West Bengal government’s challenge to the interim bail granted to Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in connection with several criminal cases dating back to the 2007 Nandigram land-acquisition movement.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant agreed to take up the matter after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought an urgent hearing on behalf of the state government. The petition challenges the Calcutta High Court’s decision to grant Pradhan interim bail until October 20.

The High Court’s order allows Pradhan to campaign in the October 6 Nandigram Assembly bypoll. He has been directed to surrender before the trial court on October 21.

The cases against Pradhan include allegations involving murder, attempt to murder and offences under the Arms Act. The cases were registered during the unrest surrounding the 2007 movement against land acquisition in Nandigram and have remained pending for several years.

The High Court, while granting interim bail, took note of the age of the cases and the timing of Pradhan’s arrest after he had filed his nomination for the bypoll. The court also considered the approaching election while deciding his request for temporary release.

The state government’s appeal has brought the issue before the country’s highest court just one day before polling in Nandigram and Rejinagar. The Supreme Court’s October 5 hearing will therefore take place amid the final stage of campaigning for the two West Bengal bypolls.

The proceedings will determine whether the interim bail granted to Pradhan remains in force as the Nandigram electoral contest enters its final phase.