New Delhi, May 1: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has filed a challenge in the Supreme Court against the Election Commission’s decision to appoint central government and public sector employees for counting duties in the West Bengal elections. The party has submitted a new petition in the Supreme Court, contesting the Calcutta High Court’s ruling. The Supreme Court is set to hear TMC’s petition on Saturday.
Chief Justice Suryakant has constituted a special bench of two judges for this case. Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi will preside over the hearing.
Previously, the Calcutta High Court dismissed TMC’s petition on Thursday. The party had contested the Election Commission’s directive to appoint central government and public sector employees as counting supervisors and assistants for the West Bengal Assembly election counting process.
Justice Krishna Rao, after hearing arguments from both sides, rejected the petition. The court stated that appointing counting supervisors and assistants is the Election Commission’s prerogative, and there is no illegality in involving central government or public sector employees in this process.
The High Court emphasized that the directive issued by the additional chief electoral officer of West Bengal was aimed at ensuring “transparency, fairness, and orderly conduct” during the counting process, which is integral to the electoral procedure.
TMC argued in its petition that central employees work under the central government and could be biased in favor of the state’s main opposition party during the counting. However, the High Court did not accept this concern.
The court noted that micro-observers, typically central government or public sector employees, would also be present at each counting table. Additionally, candidates’ counting agents and other officials will be present, ensuring adequate oversight and balance.
The High Court clarified that if any irregularities or bias occur during the counting, TMC can challenge the election results by filing an election petition after the results are declared.
Now, TMC has taken the High Court’s ruling to the Supreme Court, arguing that prioritizing only central employees for counting duties is arbitrary and raises questions about fairness.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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