Calcutta High Court Halts Election Commission's Blanket Directive

The Calcutta High Court has temporarily halted an Election Commission directive from the West Bengal assembly elections that labeled certain citizens as 'troublemakers.' The court highlighted concerns of fundamental rights being impacted by such sweeping orders.

Chief Justice Sujoy Paul clarified that the directive could not impede lawful actions against offense under established legal frameworks such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Representation of People's Act 1951. The interim order remains effective until June 30, allowing authorities to proceed with lawful actions independently.

The court addressed the petition by questioning the constitutional validity of such directions under Article 324. The Election Commission is given four weeks to respond, with the next hearing scheduled after five weeks.