Kolkata, Jul 29 The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday allowed the police to proceed with the investigation into a 2024 criminal case against BJP MLA Pranat Tudu, while directing that no coercive action be taken against him without the court's permission.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya modified an interim order passed in June 2024 that had restrained the police from proceeding against Tudu in view of the Lok Sabha elections.
The court held that the circumstances which warranted the earlier protection no longer existed and permitted the investigating agency to continue its probe.
However, it directed that no coercive steps be taken against Tudu without the court's leave, subject to his cooperation with the investigation.
The protection will remain in force till October 12 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The court also directed the police to submit a report detailing the progress of the investigation.
Appearing for Tudu, lawyer Mayukh Mukherjee submitted that the BJP leader, who was then the party's Lok Sabha candidate from Jhargram, was allegedly attacked by TMC workers in Garhbeta in Paschim Medinipur district.
He contended that despite an FIR lodged at Garhbeta police station on the basis of a complaint by a CISF personnel, the police failed to act and instead registered a "frivolous" case against Tudu on allegations including attempt to murder and outraging the modesty of a woman.
Justice Bhattacharyya observed that the reasons for granting interim protection on June 3, 2024 -- when Tudu's presence was considered necessary during polling, counting and declaration of the Lok Sabha election results -- had ceased to exist.
Accordingly, the court modified the earlier order, allowing the police to proceed with the investigation while continuing protection against coercive action.
Tudu was elected to the West Bengal assembly from the Binpur constituency in Paschim Medinipur district earlier this year.
