Setback for TMC ahead of Bengal polls result? SC rules central govt employees can stay as counting staff
The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with the Election Commission's directive to deploy central government employees as counting supervisors in the West Bengal assembly elections. The Trinamool Congress had challenged the directive, arguing it compromised the neutrality of the vote count.
The Supreme Court declined to strike down the Election Commission of India's circular deploying central government and public sector employees as counting supervisors in the West Bengal assembly elections. The Trinamool Congress had challenged a Calcutta High Court order rejecting its plea against the deployment. The court reiterated the Election Commission's assurance that its April 13 circular would be implemented fully. The Trinamool Congress argued the arrangement compromised the neutrality of the vote count and excluded state government nominees. The Election Commission defended the directive, stating that the Returning Officer retains control over the counting process and that party-appointed counting agents would be present throughout. The court observed that the designation of a counting official as a central government nominee 'hardly matters' and that the arrangement is consistent with established practice.
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