The Calcutta High Court rejected a petition by the Trinamool Congress challenging the Election Commission of India’s directive for appointing Central government and Central Public Sector Undertaking employees as counting supervisors and assistants for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Justice Krishna Rao, in a single-judge bench, dismissed the petition, stating that the Election Commission has the authority to choose supervisors and assistants from either the state or Central government. The court emphasized that the directive aimed to ensure transparency and orderly conduct during the counting process.
The High Court highlighted that the Election Commission’s decision to prefer Central government/Central PSU employees was legitimate and aligned with the Handbook for Returning Officers. Addressing concerns raised by the Trinamool Congress about potential bias due to the employees’ affiliation with the BJP-led Union government, the court mentioned the presence of micro-observers to maintain impartiality. It assured that any irregularities could be challenged through an election petition post-results declaration.
The judgment cited Section 100 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, allowing challenges if Central government/Central PSU employees manipulate votes during counting. The petition contested a communication mandating Central government/Central PSU employees at counting tables. Senior Advocate Kalyan Bandopadhyay argued that the directive deviated from the Election Commission’s guidelines and was specific to West Bengal, raising concerns about its jurisdiction and arbitrariness.
