Introduction:

The Supreme Court has summoned a response from the State of West Bengal in connection with an anticipatory bail plea filed by BJP legislator and MoS for Home Affairs, Nisith Pramanik, in an attempt-to-murder case. Pramanik, who switched from Trinamool Congress to BJP, faces charges stemming from a 2018 incident involving the shooting of a Cooch Behar resident during panchayat elections. The Calcutta High Court’s deferral of his bail plea prompted Pramanik to seek urgent relief from the apex court.

Arguments of Both Sides:

Senior Advocate PS Patwalia, representing Nisith Pramanik, cited an arrest warrant issued in March last year and expressed concerns about an imminent arrest, emphasizing the volatile political situation in West Bengal. Patwalia urged the court to provide protection, pointing to Pramanik’s recent switch of allegiance from Trinamool Congress to BJP, adding that he is also a minister of state and anticipates potential embarrassment. The court questioned the timing of the apprehension, considering the delay in arrest, but Patwalia argued that the political landscape heightened the risk.

Court’s Judgment:

The Supreme Court, after a brief hearing, decided to urgently address Nisith Pramanik’s anticipatory bail plea, setting the matter for the following day. While the bench initially contemplated a delay until Monday, they eventually acceded to the request for an expedited hearing, directing the case to be listed on Friday. The court’s decision reflects a consideration of Pramanik’s concerns about arrest, acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding his political transition and the pending attempt-to-murder charges.