Extended restriction comes after election authorities flag unusual spike in liquor sales ahead of voting

The Election Commission has extended the duration of the liquor ban to 96 hours in parts of West Bengal ahead of the first phase of Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.

Typically, the sale of liquor is prohibited 48 hours before polling. However, authorities decided to enforce the restriction earlier than usual this time, effectively doubling the dry period. The ban has already come into effect in constituencies going to polls in the first phase.

According to the poll body, the decision was taken after monitoring agencies observed an unusual surge in liquor sales across the state. Officials noted a sharp increase in the lifting of packaged liquor by retailers from state-run depots during April 2026 compared to the same period last year.

The Election Commission also pointed to a rise in the number of “sensitive” liquor outlets identified under its monitoring framework. Data gathered from surveillance and reporting systems indicated patterns that raised concerns about possible misuse during the election period.

Authorities believe that such spikes in liquor sales could potentially be linked to attempts to influence voters, prompting stricter enforcement measures to ensure a level playing field.

The extended ban aims to maintain law and order and prevent inducements during the electoral process. Officials reiterated that steps are being taken to ensure free, fair, and transparent polling, with strict monitoring across districts.

The elections in West Bengal are expected to witness a high-stakes contest, with major political parties gearing up for a closely fought battle.

Court directs matter to Chief Justice after petitioner’s social media remarks raise concerns over judicial integrity

In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has seen a judicial recusal in the ongoing dual citizenship case involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Justice Subhash Vidyarthi of the Lucknow bench has withdrawn from hearing the petition that sought registration of an FIR against Gandhi over allegations of holding dual citizenship. The case will now be placed before the Chief Justice for assignment to a different bench.

The recusal came after the court took note of certain social media posts made by the petitioner, which were seen as casting aspersions on the judiciary. The judge observed that these remarks indicated a lack of faith in the court and raised concerns about maintaining judicial propriety.

The petition, filed by a private individual, alleges that Rahul Gandhi may have held British citizenship, a claim that has been contested and remains under legal scrutiny. The matter had earlier seen the court consider whether an FIR should be registered and whether Gandhi, as the proposed accused, should be given an opportunity to present his side before any such direction.

Earlier proceedings in the case had drawn attention after the court initially dictated an order related to the registration of an FIR but later revisited the procedural aspect of issuing notice to Gandhi before moving forward.

With the judge stepping aside, the case is expected to face a brief procedural delay until a new bench is constituted. Legal experts indicate that the next stage will involve fresh hearings, where the court may decide on issuing notice and examining the merits of the allegations.

The development adds another layer to the politically sensitive case, which has already seen multiple legal turns in recent days.

Ceasefire between US and Iran nears deadline as both sides trade sharp warnings over blockade and military response

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified as a fragile ceasefire approaches its deadline, with both sides issuing strong warnings amid ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump has cautioned that severe military action could follow if negotiations fail, signalling that “bombs will go off” in the absence of a deal. His remarks come as Washington continues a naval blockade targeting Iranian oil exports and maritime movement, a move Tehran has strongly opposed.

Iran, on the other hand, has indicated it is prepared with what it described as “new cards,” suggesting a potential shift in its strategy if the situation escalates further. The standoff reflects deep mistrust between the two sides, even as diplomatic efforts continue in the background.

The current crisis is centred around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The United States imposed the blockade after talks failed to produce a breakthrough, aiming to restrict Iran’s oil shipments and increase economic pressure.

Tehran has accused Washington of violating the ceasefire by maintaining the blockade and taking aggressive actions, including the seizure of vessels near the strategic waterway. These developments have further complicated efforts to sustain peace.

A temporary ceasefire, agreed earlier this month, had paused hostilities for two weeks following threats of major escalation. However, with the truce nearing its end, uncertainty looms over whether it will be extended or collapse into renewed conflict.

The situation has also raised concerns globally, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz can significantly impact oil supply and international markets. Analysts warn that prolonged tensions could lead to economic instability and further geopolitical strain.

Diplomatic channels remain open, but the sharp rhetoric from both Washington and Tehran indicates that the path to a lasting agreement remains uncertain.