The Supreme Court has granted interim protection from arrest to Union Minister of State, Nisith Pramanik, in connection with an attempt to murder case against him. The court has directed the West Bengal government not to take any coercive action against him. Pramanik’s lawyer argued that the situation in West Bengal is volatile and there is a possibility of his arrest even before his scheduled pre-arrest bail plea hearing in the high court. The court has instructed that the matter be expedited and disposed of on the same day it is listed before the circuit bench in Jalpaiguri. Pramanik is facing charges under the Arms Act and for attempt to murder. He had filed an anticipatory bail plea before the Calcutta High Court, which was adjourned.