A few pending cases today stalled the release of Peter Bleach, serving a life term in Alipur Central Jail for his role in the Purulia armsdrop case.

A high-level British delegation led by Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, Andrew Hall, spent the entire day haggling with officials over Bleach’s release. But they returned disappointed.

‘‘We had thought a decree from the President of India, granting the release of Peter Bleach would be enough to secure his freedom. But things proved otherwise and there were a lot of legalities involved,’’ a British High Commission spokesperson said.

The Presidential assent to Bleach’s release had reached the state government late last evening. There are several cases concerning Bleach, one of which was lodged by him. A state government official said there was a review petition filed by Bleach regarding ‘‘judicial discrimination’’ after the five Latvian crew were ordered to be released by the President.

There was another case filed by Bleach’s associate in Delhi HC on why shouldn’t Bleach be granted ‘‘identical remission’’ that was granted to the Latvians. Another case was lodged by prison authorities as Bleach allegedly assaulted a jail employee on November 7, 2002.

Chief Secretary Ashok Gupta said the Union Home Ministry was contacted as the earlier order did not mention anything about pending cases.