A division bench of the Calcutta High Court has reserved its verdict on a public interest litigation challenging the Election Commission of India’s decision regarding the transfers, replacements, and deputations of bureaucrats and police officers in poll-bound West Bengal. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, concluded the hearing and directed the Election Commission to provide all related documents by March 30. The final verdict will be announced thereafter.
During the hearing, the Election Commission’s counsel defended the transfers, stating that such actions were not exclusive to West Bengal and had occurred in other poll-bound states as well. The counsel refuted claims that the scale of transfers in West Bengal was significantly higher compared to other states. For instance, the counsel highlighted that only 23 officers were transferred in West Bengal, whereas higher numbers were transferred in states like Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh before their respective elections.
After considering arguments from both sides, the division bench decided to withhold its verdict until the Election Commission provides all necessary documents related to the officer transfers. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Commission for the extensive reshuffling of bureaucrats and police officials in the state, citing disruptions to administrative operations.
