The Calcutta High Court has expressed its astonishment at the arrest of Congress candidate Milan Pradhan, on September 19, in connection with a 2007 criminal case related to the Nandigram land acquisition protests. This marks the sixth such case against Pradhan, who is contesting in the upcoming bypolls supported by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction.
Legal Proceedings and Court’s Observations
Justice Saugata Bhattacharya had previously been briefed about five other criminal cases from 2007 that led to Pradhan’s arrest. Pradhan approached the court earlier this week, seeking clarity on all open criminal cases and requesting protection until the bypolls conclude. At that time, he had been arrested in five cases and was in judicial custody until October 3.
On September 22, the High Court noted the State’s assurance that Pradhan would face no further arrests related to 2007 cases. Consequently, the court saw no need for interim protection orders and scheduled the next hearing for October 12. However, on September 23, a trial court ordered Pradhan into custody until October 7, in connection with an undisclosed sixth case from 2007.
Arguments from Legal Representatives
Senior Advocate Ayan Bhattacharya, representing Pradhan, argued that the sixth case was neither disclosed nor had any production warrant been served on Pradhan. Conversely, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Rajdeep Mazumdar argued that Pradhan was already arrested in this matter by September 19 and a production warrant had been pending since 2021.
“The previous regime had all six cases in 2020 with a withdrawal application filed. These were murder cases, and a PIL led to their reinstatement in 2021,” Mazumdar explained. He further highlighted that the Election Commission typically flags such cases concerning electoral candidates.
High Court’s Directive and Future Proceedings
The High Court emphasized the need for respect toward its earlier order and directed that no steps be taken in connection with the sixth case until October 12. The Court stated, “Court does not find any document wherefrom it can be concluded that production warrant in connection with the Khejuri case was served upon petitioner at material point of time. Therefore, contention of State respondents regarding the execution of the production warrant is negated at this stage.”
Justice Bhattacharya criticized the timing of Pradhan’s arrest, which occurred shortly after Mamata Banerjee endorsed him for the Nandigram bypolls, scheduled for October 6. The plea includes requests for criminal charges against police officers for procedural lapses, full disclosure of pending cases, and protection from arrest until the bypolls end.
The Nandigram bypolls were triggered following BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari’s decision to vacate his Nandigram seat, choosing to retain the Bhabanipur seat instead. The matter is set for further hearing on October 12.
