Supreme Court to Hear Plea Challenging Milan Pradhan's Interim Bail on October 5
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As political tensions escalate ahead of the upcoming legislative assembly by-elections in West Bengal, a high-stakes legal battle has reached the apex court. The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition challenging the interim bail granted by the Calcutta High Court to Congress candidate Milan Pradhan, who is contesting the crucial Nandigram by-election scheduled for October 6, 2026.
Calcutta High Court Grants Interim Bail to Milan Pradhan
The legal proceedings center around Congress candidate Milan Pradhan, who has been behind bars in connection with six criminal cases originally registered back in 2007 during the historic anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram. The charges against him include serious offenses such as murder, attempt to murder, and violations of the Arms Act.
On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the Calcutta High Court granted Pradhan interim bail effective until October 20, directing him to surrender before the trial court on October 21. This judicial relief cleared the path for Pradhan to actively campaign for the upcoming Nandigram by-poll.
Supreme Court to Hear the Matter on October 5
Following the High Court’s order, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent listing of the matter.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana agreed to take up the petition. Acknowledging the urgency given the proximity of the election date, Chief Justice Surya Kant scheduled the official hearing for October 5, 2026.
Background of the Nandigram By-Election
The Nandigram assembly seat fell vacant after political developments following the state assembly elections, setting the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle. With by-elections for both Nandigram and Rajnagar slated for October 6, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court's upcoming ruling on October 5, which could significantly impact the political landscape of the poll-bound constituency.
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