Supreme Court Upholds Election Commission's Decision on Counting Supervisors in West Bengal

Supreme Court's Ruling on Counting Supervisors

The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in the Election Commission's decision to appoint only employees from the central government and public sector undertakings (PSUs) as counting supervisors and assistants for the vote counting scheduled on May 4 in West Bengal. This ruling has dealt a significant blow to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). On Friday, the TMC filed a petition in the Supreme Court requesting the appointment of individuals nominated by the state government as counting supervisors, alleging that their request was being dismissed.

The party contended that employees of the central government could be influenced by the ruling party at the center, potentially compromising the impartiality of the counting process. However, the Supreme Court clarified that the Election Commission has the authority to select its officials and that the circular appointing central government employees could not be annulled on these grounds.

The court stated that apart from recording the Election Commission's lawyer's statement, no further directives were necessary, emphasizing that the circular would be implemented as stated.

The Election Commission informed the court that it is adhering to its circular issued on April 13, clarifying that the arrangement is reciprocal: counting supervisors are from the central government, while counting assistants are from the state government, ensuring at least one state government official is present at each counting center. Following the Supreme Court's remarks, the TMC altered its stance, demanding that the Election Commission appoint state government employees in accordance with its circular.