The Calcutta High Court has modified an earlier order concerning electoral conduct in West Bengal, directing that no motorbike rallies or group biking shall be permitted during the polling day of Phase 2 onwards in the 2026 elections.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Shampa Sarkar and Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta passed the order in an appeal filed by the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, against a Single Judge’s directions dated April 20, 2026. The Court took note of submissions emphasising the need to ensure security and peaceful voting during the polling process.

Modifying Clause (a) of the earlier order, the Bench clarified that the restriction would extend not only to motorbike rallies but also to riding in groups, thereby broadening the scope of the prohibition. The revised direction expressly states: “No motorbike rally or biking in groups shall be allowed during polling day – 2 onwards.”

The Court, however, left the remainder of the Single Judge’s order unchanged and clarified that the directions are confined to the present writ petition concerning the 2026 elections. It further noted that questions of law have been kept open for future consideration.

Disposing of the appeal and connected application, the Bench directed that all stakeholders, including authorities and individuals using motorcycles, act in accordance with the order, which is to be made available on the Election Commission’s website.

Appearances:

Mr. Jishnu Chowdhury, Senior Advocate, with Ms. Sanskriti Agarwal for the Appellant.

Mr. Kishore Datta, Learned Advocate General, Mr. Swapan Banerjee, Learned Additional Government Pleader, with Ms. Sunita Shaw and Mr. Soumen Chatterjee for the State.

Mr. Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya, Senior Advocate, with Mr. Soumya Dasgupta, Mr. Siddhartha Sankar Mandal, Mr. Sattwik Majumder and Ms. Tanuta Guray for Respondent No. 1.

Ms. Sanchari Chakraborty with Ms. Sayari Barman for the Respondents.

Mr. Subit Majumdar for the Union of India.