Kolkata: The Calcutta HC cautioned EC against preventive detention and arrests ahead before Wednesday’s final phase of polling in Bengal, underscoring that any curbs on the fundamental right to liberty must follow due process.Disposing of a writ petition over pre-poll detentions of Trinamool workers, a bench of Justices Arijit Banerjee and Partha Sarathi Sen said on Tuesday it expected EC to act “fairly, efficiently, impartially, without any bias, political or otherwise, and strictly in accordance with law”.HC stressed the primacy of Article 21, adding personal liberty can be curtailed only through lawful procedure.In his petition, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said an earlier order staying EC’s April 21 internal memo on preventive detentions was being flouted. He alleged random arrests of party workers and councillors and claimed police targeted supporters in CM Mamata Banerjee’s Bhowanipore, where BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari is her main opponent.The high court refrained from a formal order but reiterated the expectation that EC would discharge duties in accordance with the law.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBengal Phase 2 Polls: 142 Constituencies Vote Today, Over 3.21 Crore Voters to DecideChokepoints of Power: how India can ‘trump’ China on the seasSwati Maliwal’s Explosive Exit: Assault Allegations, ‘Betrayal’ Charges Rock AAP As She Joins BJPIndian Aviation Sector Warns Of Possible Shutdown Amid Soaring Fuel CostsUNGA Chief Hails India’s Global Role, Calls India’s Leadership Central To MultilateralismIndia To Receive Fourth Unit Of S-400 Missile Systems From Russia, To Be Deployed In RajasthanISRO-s Big Shift- Civilians To Join Gaganyaan Missions – India-s Space Programme Expands”Online Radicalisation Led To…” Maharashtra CM On ISIS-Inspired AttackIndia’s Defence Spending Hits $92 Bn, Becomes World’s 5th Largest Amid Global Military SurgeIs Rafale deal with France stuck? Will India’s demand for access scuttle fighter deal?123PhotostoriesFrom tasting success and popularity after playing Samar to being ousted overnight from Anupamaa: Paras Kalnawat on his journeyKate Middleton dips into Princess Diana’s 1995 Germany look with sapphire earrings from the royal jewellery archivesAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ buzz around the threequel adds to fans’ anticipation – here’s what we knowWhy BTS K-pop star Jungkook’s basic bodyweight routine may be more effective than your gym plan5 longest train journeys in the world: Did you know India has one?10 things you should walk away from— No regrets, no looking back5 simple brain exercises that can boost memory without apps or toolsDeepika Padukone’s maternity-style playbook starts with a denim-on-denim look, proving she doesn’t do boring10 powerful signs you’re highly emotionally mature, according to psychologyStep inside cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ₹5.38 crore stylish Mumbai residence123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap
Kolkata: The Calcutta HC cautioned EC against preventive detention and arrests ahead before Wednesday’s final phase of polling in Bengal, underscoring that any curbs on the fundamental right to liberty must follow due process.Disposing of a writ petition over pre-poll detentions of Trinamool workers, a bench of Justices Arijit Banerjee and Partha Sarathi Sen said on Tuesday it expected EC to act “fairly, efficiently, impartially, without any bias, political or otherwise, and strictly in accordance with law”.HC stressed the primacy of Article 21, adding personal liberty can be curtailed only through lawful procedure.In his petition, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said an earlier order staying EC’s April 21 internal memo on preventive detentions was being flouted. He alleged random arrests of party workers and councillors and claimed police targeted supporters in CM Mamata Banerjee’s Bhowanipore, where BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari is her main opponent.The high court refrained from a formal order but reiterated the expectation that EC would discharge duties in accordance with the law.