The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined the West Bengal Police's request for an urgent hearing on its challenge to the Calcutta High Court order granting interim bail to Congress candidate Milan Pradhan. The plea concerns his right to campaign in the Nandigram Assembly bypoll, scheduled for October 6. Key HighlightsThe West Bengal Police challenged Milan Pradhan's interim bail.The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Monday.The Calcutta High Court granted Pradhan interim bail on September 29.The Nandigram bypoll is scheduled for October 6.Bengal Police Moves Supreme CourtThe West Bengal government moved the Supreme Court against the Calcutta High Court's September 29 order. The High Court had given Pradhan interim bail in six cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram land agitation.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the West Bengal government. He asked the Supreme Court to hear the matter urgently on Thursday.The state raised concerns about the criminal cases against Pradhan, which include serious allegations dating back to 2007. SC Sets Hearing for MondayThe Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant did not agree to list the case for Thursday. The court said its board was already long and fixed the matter for Monday.“No. Monday.”The court also indicated during the hearing that it was not inclined to accept the state's challenge, according to Bar and Bench's report of the proceedings. The final decision will be taken when the matter is heard. Calcutta HC Granted Interim BailThe Calcutta High Court granted Pradhan interim bail for three weeks on September 29. The order allows him to campaign in the Nandigram bypoll."Pradhan was arrested on September 18 in connection with cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram agitation. The High Court directed him to surrender before the Haldia court on October 21. "The court also imposed conditions on his bail. He has to report to the police twice every day and follow other directions issued by the court. (Nandigram Bypoll on October 6The Nandigram Assembly bypoll will take place on October 6. Campaigning is scheduled to end on October 4, while counting is scheduled for October 9.The Supreme Court's Monday hearing will now decide the next legal step in the West Bengal Police challenge to Pradhan's interim bail.
