A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court to remove IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma from Bengal. In this petition, a demand has been made to immediately remove UP cadre IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma from the post of 'Police Observer' in Bengal.
Just before the file phase voting in West Bengal, the petitioner e-filed this writ petition (civil) late on Tuesday night. The petition cites Article 32 of the Constitution, which allows citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court to protect their fundamental rights. The petitioner has requested the Supreme Court for an early hearing. In the petition, the petitioner said that please remove it from Bengal.
Who is IPS Ajay Pal Sharma?
By filing a PIL in the Supreme Court at midnight, the petitioner alleged that Ajay Pal Sharma has abandoned the required impartiality as an observer of the Election Commission. Ajay Pal Sharma is called 'Encounter Specialist'. For this reason he is known as 'Singham of UP'. The petition claims that since assuming charge in South 24 Parganas, Ajay Pal Sharma has been involved in acts of intimidation and undue influence. He is especially targeting political candidates.
IPS Ajay Pal Sharma has got the responsibility of elections in Bengal.
What is the argument in the petition against IPS Ajay Pal Sharma?
- The petition argues that their presence 'vitiates the electoral environment, thereby reducing public confidence in the fairness of the 2026 assembly elections.' The petition further alleges cases of intimidation, undue influence and favoritism. It has been claimed about him that he has spoiled the 'level playing field' required during elections. It has been argued that such conduct undermines the basic objective of deploying observers. Observers are expected to act as impartial constitutional officials to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
- The provisions of the 'Representation of the People Act 1951' have been cited in the petition. The petition states that observers are appointed to independently monitor the elections and ensure adherence to democratic norms. It argues that any deviation from this role undermines public trust in the system.
Second phase voting in Bengal elections today
The petitioner has urged the Supreme Court to take cognizance of this matter and issue necessary instructions to safeguard the fairness of the ongoing electoral process. However, the date for when this matter will be heard has not yet come. It is noteworthy that the campaign for the second and final phase of assembly elections in Bengal has ended. In the second phase, voting will be held on 142 seats today i.e. on 29th April.
