HC shields TMC’s Jahangir from coercive action till May 26

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Monday granted interim protection to TMC's Falta candidate Jahangir Khan till May 26 and directed that no coercive action could be taken against him in five cases till the May 21 repoll.While allowing Khan to contest the repoll, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya observed, "After all, this is a democratic country. Let democratic spirits be held high. One thing that is striking is that criminal prosecution was started against him immediately after the poll result was declared on May 5. Prima facie, it appears there is a change of political scenario. No coercive steps will be taken against him in connection with pending criminal prosecution till May 26. However, the petitioner is required to cooperate with the investigating agency. In case he does not, leave is granted to state authorities to bring it to the notice of the court." It was clarified that the protection is only for criminal proceedings already ongoing against Khan.Justice Bhattacharyya, calling the constituency "sensitive," gave a slew of instructions for Khan to follow during the repoll: he cannot make any provocative speeches; he must follow the rules and regulations of the Election Commission (EC); and he must not intimidate or obstruct voters and other stakeholders.The state authorities argued that Khan was the mastermind behind voter intimidation, booth capturing and tampering of EVM at Falta.