Political tension surrounding the upcoming assembly bypoll in Nandigram intensified as the controversy over interim bail granted to Congress nominee Milan Pradhan reached the Supreme Court. The West Bengal administration had approached the apex court seeking an immediate challenge to the relief provided by the Calcutta High Court. However, a bench presided over by Chief Justice of India Suryakant turned down the state government's plea for an immediate or next-day hearing, asserting that the matter would be taken up only on Monday, October 5, 2026. The decision handed a major strategic reprieve to the Congress candidate and Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee, who has extended her support to his campaign.
Apex Court Declines Plea for Next-Day Listing
The matter was mentioned directly before Chief Justice Suryakant by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the West Bengal administration. Mehta urgently requested that the petition be placed on the roster for hearing on Thursday. He underscored that the plea challenges the interim bail granted to Pradhan across six criminal cases registered back in 2007, making timely intervention necessary before the voting exercise takes place. CJI Suryakant, however, firmly indicated that the court would address the state's petition only on October 5.
Courtroom Exchange Over Urgent Listing
Pressing hard for an expedited review, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contended that delaying the hearing until after the bypoll concluded would render the entire petition infructuous. Representing the state government, Mehta asked whether he could take the risk of tomorrow, pointing out that the accused was granted bail specifically to contest the electoral race. He maintained that his only appeal was to have the case listed without delay.
Chief Justice Suryakant dismissed the plea to schedule the hearing for Thursday, citing the heavy workload before the court. The CJI pointed out that the daily roster of the Supreme Court was already very long. Responding to the persistent plea, CJI Suryakant stated that the court would certainly dismiss it, but on Monday rather than the following day. When Solicitor General Mehta reiterated his appeal for a Thursday listing, the CJI stood his ground, replying with a firm no and confirming the Monday date. The bench alongside Chief Justice Suryakant comprised Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana.
Calcutta High Court Ruling and Surrender Conditions
The legal challenge originated after the West Bengal police contested an order delivered by a single bench of the Calcutta High Court. The high court had on Tuesday granted Milan Pradhan interim bail until October 20, explicitly allowing him to campaign for the Nandigram bypoll scheduled for October 6.
In its directive, the Calcutta High Court also instructed Pradhan to surrender before the jurisdictional trial court on October 21 once the interim period expired. The criminal proceedings pending against Pradhan date back to the 2007 agitation against land acquisition in Nandigram, involving serious charges such as murder, attempt to murder, and violations under the provisions of the Arms Act.
Electoral Context of Nandigram and Support From Mamata Banerjee
The vacancy in the Nandigram constituency arose following the resignation of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. In the state assembly elections held earlier this year, Adhikari had contested from both the Bhawanipur and Nandigram segments, emerging victorious in both constituencies. He subsequently chose to retain the Bhawanipur seat and vacated Nandigram. In the ensuing bypoll, Mamata Banerjee extended her backing to the Congress contender Milan Pradhan, turning the courtroom dispute into a high-stakes political contest.
