Overview
- The Calcutta High Court, which ruled Friday, held that the Election Commission cannot bar all motorcycle use in the name of free and fair elections.
- The court permitted no motorcycle rallies from two days before voting and kept a 12-hour pre-poll bar on pillion riders with exceptions for medical needs, family events, or school drop-offs.
- On polling day, family pillion travel is allowed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for voting and essential needs, and delivery workers and office commuters remain exempt with ID.
- Justice Krishna Rao said the Commission’s broad powers under Article 324 must follow existing law, noting no clause in the Representation of the People Act or the ECI’s 72-hour SOP authorises a general riding ban.
- The case, filed by advocate Ritankar Das against April 20–21 orders, highlighted costs and hardship for daily riders, and the ruling now protects commuters and livelihoods ahead of the April 29 polling.