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Calcutta High Court slams EC over 48-hour bike curbs ahead of Bengal polls
The Calcutta High Court criticized the Election Commission for imposing a 48-hour motorcycle restriction in Kolkata and parts of South 24 Parganas ahead of elections. The judge called the move drastic and questioned the EC's authority, while urging an affidavit explaining the rationale and noting concerns about citizens' rights. The intervention was welcomed by commuters and gig workers.
Why It Matters
The ruling tests the balance between election security measures and citizens' rights, potentially shaping how traffic curbs are used during elections in West Bengal.
Timeline
3 Events
HC requests EC affidavit on rationale and FIR data
April 24, 2026
Justice Rao directed the Election Commission to submit an affidavit on Friday detailing the rationale for the restriction and sought information on the number of FIRs registered against motorcyclists in the previous five years.
Calcutta High Court slams EC over bike curbs
April 23, 2026
The Calcutta High Court, while hearing a petition challenging the order, criticized the EC for abusing its power and termed the restriction a drastic move. Justice Krishna Rao stated that citizens' rights cannot be curtailed in this manner and questioned the authorities’ approach. The judge also asked how many FIRs had been registered against motorcyclists in the last five years and directed the EC to submit an affidavit explaining the rationale for the restriction. The bench noted public concern and relief among thousands of two-wheeler users following the court’s intervention.
EC announces 48-hour bike curbs ahead of polls
April 21, 2026
Election Commission announced that from 6pm on April 27 to the end of polls on April 29, motorbikes could be ridden only from 6am to 6pm; pillion-riding and bike rallies were banned. Exemptions were provided for medical emergencies, family functions and essential services.