An application has been filed in the Supreme Court regarding alleged electoral violence in West Bengal, requesting the formation of a high-level monitoring committee led by a retired apex court judge to supervise law and order arrangements during and after the ongoing Assembly elections. The plea argues that despite assurances made by the West Bengal government to the Supreme Court, incidents of violence, intimidation of electors and officials, and property destruction persist. The acts are alleged to be aimed at enrolling individuals supporting the ruling party as voters regardless of eligibility criteria.
The applicant, Sanatani Sangsad, has urged urgent intervention, stating that the government’s assurances have not been followed by appropriate actions on the ground. The application extensively references post-poll violence after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, highlighting findings by an enquiry committee appointed by the Calcutta High Court, which reported numerous instances of violence, arson, vandalism, murder, rape, and attempted rape.
The application also mentions that compensation for victims of political violence has not been fully implemented to date, with contempt proceedings initiated in this regard. It emphasizes the lingering fear among voters due to pending criminal cases and accused individuals out on bail. The plea points to a statement by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a rally, suggesting a reminder of past post-poll violence, and calls for special measures to prevent such incidents after the current election results are declared.
Among the reliefs sought, the application asks for the deployment of adequate Central Armed Police Forces in vulnerable areas for a specified period, as determined by the proposed monitoring committee. It also requests that law enforcement officials not be transferred without the committee’s consent and advocates for the establishment of a robust complaint and grievance redressal system for citizens. Other demands include the formation of Special Investigation Teams for serious crimes, transfer of cases to central agencies, disciplinary action against errant police officials, and the establishment of fast-track courts in every district for swift trial of post-poll violence cases.
The applicants seek witness protection for victims and witnesses, as well as safeguards for officials on election duty by the Election Commission of India. The plea emphasizes the importance of governance by the rule of law during and after elections, asserting that free and fair elections are fundamental to the Constitution’s basic structure.
