Calcutta HC quashes relief granted to Congress's Nandigram candidate
The Calcutta High Court has overturned a lower court's order that granted interim protection from arrest to Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in a 2007 criminal case. The court emphasized that legal procedures for bail must be followed regardless of a candidate's election status.
Why it matters
This reinforces the principle of equality before the law, particularly regarding the intersection of criminal proceedings and active election campaigning.
A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Friday (September 25, 2026) set aside a single-bench order granting relief to Congress’ Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan from coercive action in a 2007 criminal case.
The division bench, presided over by Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge, held that there was no provision in criminal law for such interim protection to an accused.
It said an accused has the liberty to seek bail after arrest and, if apprehending arrest, can apply for anticipatory bail.
The bench, also comprising Justice Om Narayan Rai, set aside Thursday’s (September 24, 2026) order directing police not to take any steps against Mr. Pradhan in the case till October 12.
The division bench observed that the law is the same for everyone and there cannot be a different consideration for a person contesting an election.
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