Judicial Orders Keep Milan Pradhan in Custody Ahead of Nandigram Poll

The Calcutta High Court’s single‑judge bench rejected a plea for interim relief filed by Congress hopeful Milan Pradhan on Tuesday. Pradhan’s petition sought protection in five 2007 cases linked to the Nandigram land‑acquisition protests, alleging that the arrests were politically motivated. He remains in judicial custody for two other matters, with the district court directing his detention until 3 October in a homicide case and until 5 October in an additional case. The district judge also ordered the police to present him on 23 September. During the hearing, Pradhan’s representative argued that the timing—just before the Oct 6 by‑election—demonstrated an attempt to undermine democratic procedures. The state’s lawyer and Additional Advocate General replied that the arrests were the enforcement of outstanding non‑bailable warrants. The by‑election for the Nandigram‑Rejinagar constituency will be held on 6 October, with counting scheduled for 9 October.