Court Permits Investigation into BJP MLA Pranat Tudu While Maintaining Immunity from Arrest
The Calcutta High Court has allowed a criminal probe involving BJP MLA Pranat Tudu to resume following late 2024 election cycles. While the police may continue their investigation, the court maintains a temporary shield against coercive action without judicial consent.
Judicial Shift in Tudu Case Investigation
In a ruling delivered on July 29, 2026, the Calcutta High Court modified its stance on a 2024 criminal case involving Pranat Tudu, the BJP MLA representing Binpur. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya ruled that law enforcement agencies may now proceed with their investigation, overturning a previous stay issued in June 2024. The original restraint was intended to prevent interference with Tudu's duties during the Lok Sabha polling, counting, and result declaration phases.
Conditional Immunity and Legal Arguments
Despite green-lighting the probe, the court maintained a significant safeguard for the legislator. Justice Bhattacharyya directed that the police must not take any coercive measures against Tudu without obtaining specific permission from the court. This protection is scheduled to last until October 12, 2026, provided that Tudu fully cooperates with the authorities. The court has also mandated that the investigating agency file a detailed report regarding their progress.
Legal counsel for Tudu, Mayukh Mukherjee, challenged the legitimacy of the charges during the proceedings. Mukherjee argued that while Tudu was campaigning as the BJP candidate for Jhargram, he faced an assault by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters in the Garhbeta area of Paschim Medinipur. According to the defense:
- Local police ignored an FIR filed by a CISF officer regarding the alleged attack on Tudu.
- Authorities instead pursued a case against the MLA featuring serious allegations, including attempt to murder and outraging the modesty of a woman.
- The defense characterizes these charges as unfounded and retaliatory.
Context of the Ruling
The transition from a total stay to a monitored investigation reflects the court's view that the specific electoral pressures of 2024 have passed. Tudu, who secured his seat in the West Bengal assembly from Binpur earlier this year, remains under the court's jurisdiction as the investigation into the Garhbeta incident moves forward. The judicial oversight effectively balances the state's power to investigate with the legislator's protection against potential procedural overreach.
Source: The Hindu — News
