The Supreme Court on Friday refused to pass any fresh order on a plea by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) challenging the deployment of Central government staff in vote counting in West Bengal. The court, however, recorded the Election Commission of India’s (EC) assurance that its April 13 circular on deployment of staff will be implemented in letter and spirit.
Background of the Plea
The plea came after the Calcutta High Court had earlier dismissed the challenge to the counting arrangement. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter, with counting scheduled for May 4. The TMC had argued that the deployment of central staff could lead to bias and manipulation, but the court found no reason to intervene.
EC's Assurance
The Election Commission stated that both State and Central government employees will be part of the counting process under the Returning Officer’s supervision. The EC assured the court that the circular issued on April 13 would be followed strictly, ensuring a fair and transparent counting process.
The Supreme Court bench observed: No further orders necessary
while disposing of the plea. The court’s decision comes as a relief for the Election Commission, which has been facing scrutiny over the counting arrangements in the politically sensitive state.
West Bengal is set to undergo vote counting on May 4 for the recent assembly elections, with the TMC and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) locked in a fierce battle. The deployment of central staff has been a contentious issue, with the TMC alleging that it undermines the state’s autonomy.
