A division bench of the Calcutta High Court instructed the Election Commission of India to ensure safety measures and basic amenities like drinking water for voters at all polling stations during the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal. This directive came in response to a public interest litigation filed by West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya, emphasizing the need for 100% booth-level security during the state elections on April 23 and April 29.
While acknowledging the petitioner’s concerns, the division bench clarified that the decision on ensuring peaceful state polls would be the responsibility of the Election Commission of India. The court emphasized the importance of providing essential facilities to voters, including adequate security arrangements at polling stations and booths.
The Calcutta High Court also raised questions during the hearing regarding the role of the West Bengal government in ensuring fair and violence-free elections alongside the Election Commission. West Bengal is set to conduct elections in two phases, with 152 Assembly constituencies in the first phase and 142 in the second.
A public interest litigation challenging the Election Commission’s recent orders for bureaucratic transfers and deputations is scheduled for a hearing before the same division bench of the Calcutta High Court.
