New Delhi, May 1: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has challenged the Election Commission’s decision to appoint central government and public sector employees for counting duties in the West Bengal elections in the Supreme Court. The party has filed a new petition against 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, which will be presided over by Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
Previously, the Calcutta High Court had 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’s single bench rejected the petition after hearing arguments from both sides, stating that the appointment of counting supervisors and assistants is the prerogative of the Election Commission, and there is no illegality in appointing 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” in the counting process, which is a part of the electoral procedure.
TMC argued in its petition that central employees work under the central government and could be biased in favor of the main opposition party during the counting. However, the High Court did not accept this concern.
The court noted that micro-observers, who are typically central government or public sector employees, will also be present at every counting table, along with counting agents from candidates and other officials, ensuring adequate oversight and balance.
The High Court also clarified that if any irregularities or bias occur during the counting, TMC can challenge the election results by filing an election petition after the declaration of results.
Now, TMC has taken this order from the High Court to the Supreme Court, arguing that prioritizing only central employees for counting duties is arbitrary and raises questions about fairness.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
