Calcutta HC asks WB Govt counsel to let Congress’ Nandigram bypoll candidate contest properly if he gets bail
The Calcutta High Court verbally instructed the West Bengal government's counsel to ensure Congress candidate Milan Pradhan can properly contest the Nandigram bypoll if he secures bail in five criminal cases. Pradhan was arrested in connection with old cases, with his lawyer alleging political motivation due to his bypoll candidacy.
Why it matters
This case highlights concerns about potential political interference in the electoral process and the judiciary's role in safeguarding fair elections, particularly when candidates face arrests on old charges close to polling dates.
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) asked the West Bengal government’s counsel that Milan Pradhan , the Congress’s Nandigram bypoll candidate, be allowed to contest properly, provided he gets bail in five criminal cases in which he has been arrested.
Mr. Pradhan was sent to judicial custody on Saturday (September 19, 2026) by the Haldia Sub-Divisional Court until October 3, in four pending non-bailable arrest warrants linked to cases in Nandigram dating back to 2007. On Monday (September 21, 2026), the Contai court sent him to 14-day judicial custody, until October 5, in a case under the Arms Act registered nearly two decades ago.
The byelection in Nandigram is scheduled for October 6. The campaign ends on October 4, and the counting of votes is scheduled for October 9.
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