West Bengal Polls: TMC's Jahangir Khan Challenges Criminal Cases Filed Ahead of Falta Re-Poll

The Calcutta High Court on Monday agreed to hear a plea filed by a candidate contesting the re-poll in the Falta Assembly constituency. The candidate, Jahangir Khan, sought details of all criminal cases filed against him and protection from any coercive police action before the re-poll scheduled for May 21. Former Advocate General and senior advocate Kishore Datta presented the matter before Justice Saugata Bhattacharya’s bench, claiming that Mr. Khan is being unfairly targeted with multiple criminal cases during the election period. “Every day new criminal cases are being slapped on him,” Datta told the court, stressing that while his client is ready to face legal proceedings, all FIRs must be disclosed and action must be paused during the campaign.

Datta explained that one case goes back to 2017, and several others have been filed since then. When the court asked for the relief sought, Mr. Datta said he wanted the FIRs to be disclosed and interim protection against coercive steps until the election process ends. The bench noted that the State was not represented in the case. Datta requested the court to allow service of notice on the Home Secretary, arguing that he should not be left without any remedy.

The court initially suggested taking up the matter on Tuesday. However, Datta argued that immediate action is needed because the 48-hour silence period before polling is about to start, and the Falta re-poll is set for May 21. He said if interim relief is granted, the candidate can at least enter the constituency once before canvassing closes. After hearing these submissions, the court permitted the matter to be moved.