Kolkata High Court, the capital of Bengal, rejected the petition of TMC in which the appointment of counting supervisor was challenged. The court justified the decision of the Election Commission and said that the allegations are baseless and the process is legally justified.
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has rejected the petition of Trinamool Congress (TMC) challenging the decision of the Election Commission of India. This case was to the deployment of central employees in the counting process of West Bengal Assembly elections. The court clearly said that the Election Commission has the right to appoint counting supervisors and assistants as per its own arrangements.
TMC’s petition and main allegations
All India Trinamool Congress had alleged that making central government employees as counting supervisors could affect impartiality. The party claimed that the possibility of influence of the ruling party on these employees cannot be ruled out.
TMC also said that the Additional Chief Electoral Officer of the Election Commission does not have the authority to issue such an order, hence the decision is legally wrong.
High Court’s clear stance: Allegations “baseless”
The Calcutta High Court bench rejected all the arguments of TMC and said that the mere apprehension that the central employees will work under the influence of any political party is not a sufficient basis.
The court remarked that not only supervisors and assistants but also micro observers, candidates’ agents and other officials are present in the counting room, due to which the entire process remains transparent.
Appointment process upheld
The court clarified that appointing Central Government or Central Public Undertaking (PSU) employees instead of State Government employees is in no way illegal.
The court said that this is the administrative authority of the Election Commission and it has been implemented under the rules. Therefore, no illegality was found in this decision.
Election Commission’s side
On behalf of the Election Commission of India, it was argued in the court that the appointments have been made through a completely transparent process.
The Election Commission said that to ensure impartiality, central employees are often given preference, so as to avoid any state-level political influence.
Important comment of the court
The court also said that if TMC suspects any kind of irregularity in future, it can challenge the results through an election petition.
The bench made it clear that if it is proved that an officer has committed irregularities in the counting process, the same can be challenged legally.
Strict security and surveillance arrangements
It was also told in the court that the vote counting process will be kept under complete CCTV surveillance. Apart from this, transparency will further increase with the presence of micro observers and various agents.
Election Commission of India said that this system has been made to strengthen the fairness of the election process.
Political and legal importance
This decision is considered important in the politics of West Bengal, because it strengthens the powers of the Election Commission in the electoral process.
Experts believe that this decision can become an example for other states in future regarding election management and appointments.
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