A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the removal of Ajay Pal Sharma, a Uttar Pradesh-cadre IPS officer serving as an Election Observer in the West Bengal assembly election, according to an ANI news agency report.
The petitioner e-filed the petition on Tuesday under Article 32 of the Constitution, alleging that Sharma has compromised the neutrality expected of Election Commission observers.
The plea claims that since his posting in South 24 Parganas, Sharma has engaged in 'acts of intimidation' and 'undue influence,' particularly targeting political candidates. The plea argues that such conduct undermines the level playing field required for free and fair elections and erodes public confidence in the electoral process.
Describing Sharma as an 'encounter specialist' often dubbed the 'Singham of UP,' the petitioner contends that his actions have abandoned the neutrality required for an Election Commission observer. The petitioner has urged the apex court to intervene and issue directions to safeguard the integrity of the polls.
The petition also cites provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandate observers to independently monitor elections and ensure adherence to democratic norms.
The development comes as West Bengal prepares for the second and final phase of voting on April 29 across 142 constituencies. The first phase recorded a 93.2% voter turnout, and results will be declared on May 4.
