Calcutta High Court Sets Aside Protection Granted To Congress Nandigram Candidate Milan Pradhan, Asks Him To Apply For Bail

The Calcutta High Court's Division Bench led by Chief Justice RV Ghuge has set aside the protection granted by a single bench, to Congress' Nandigram By-Poll candidate Milan Pradhan in connection with a 2007 case, directing him to proceed in accordance with law and apply for regular bail.

The Bench expressed surprise at the protection granted to Pradhan by the Single Judge and observed that the case was one in which the petitioner could seek bail. It questioned which law the single judge had granted protection under and stated that if Pradhan desired any relief, he would have to approach the bail court under law.

The Division Bench accordingly set aside the protection and asked Pradhan to approach the appropriate court for regular bail.

The development comes amid Pradhan's candidature in the forthcoming Nandigram By-Poll, to be held on 6th October.

The Bench made it clear that Pradhan would have to follow the regular legal process for seeking bail, rather than relying on the protection granted by the Single Judge.

Case: State of West Bengal v Milan Pradhan