Supreme Court will hear TMC’s challenge to the EC’s order mandating central staff for vote counting in West Bengal
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday approached the Supreme Court of India, challenging the Election Commission of India’s directive to deploy only Central government and PSU employees as counting supervisors in the West Bengal Assembly polls.
The party argued that the decision raises concerns over impartiality and effectively sidelines state government employees. Earlier, the TMC had moved the Calcutta High Court, which declined to grant relief, prompting the appeal before the apex court.
Supreme Court to hear plea on Saturday
A special hearing on the matter is scheduled for Saturday at 10:30 am. A two-judge bench comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi will hear the case. The bench was constituted by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
Calcutta High Court upholds EC decision
Earlier in the day, the Calcutta High Court dismissed TMC’s plea, upholding the Election Commission’s directive.
The court observed that appointing Central government and PSU staff for vote counting falls within the discretion of the Election Commission of India and is not illegal. It also rejected concerns that such staff could act under political influence, calling the allegations “mere apprehensions” without supporting evidence.
The court added that any grievances related to the counting process could be challenged later through an election petition under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
CEO backs EC, says process beyond political influence
Welcoming the verdict, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said no political party can dictate who is involved in the election process.
“It is the discretion of the Returning Officer; he or she can include whoever they deem appropriate in counting or the broader election process,” he said.
Mamata Banerjee raises concerns over deployment
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that “observers from outside” and non-local police personnel were being deployed in a way that targeted TMC workers during the ongoing Assembly polls.
She also claimed that central forces conducted late-night operations without local police involvement, alleging misconduct in certain instances.
PIL seeks removal of police observer
In a related development, a Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking the removal of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, who has been appointed as a Police Observer for the polls.
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