A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi will hear the matter at 10:30 am on Saturday.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (File photo)
The Supreme Court will on Saturday hear a Trinamool Congress (TMC) challenge to the Election Commission’s decision to deploy central government and PSU employees for vote counting in the West Bengal Assembly elections, after setting up a special bench for the urgent matter.
The case comes just days before counting for the 294-seat Assembly on May 4, with the TMC seeking to overturn a Calcutta High Court ruling that upheld the poll panel’s move.
Urgent hearing ahead of counting day
A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi will hear the matter at 10:30 am on Saturday, according to the Supreme Court’s cause list. The TMC has urged immediate intervention, arguing that any delay would make its plea meaningless since counting begins on Monday morning.
The party moved the apex court after the Calcutta High Court dismissed its petition on Thursday, finding no illegality in the Election Commission’s decision to appoint central government and Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees as counting supervisors and assistants.
What TMC is challenging?
At the heart of the dispute is an April 30 communication from the West Bengal election authorities stating that at least one counting supervisor or assistant at each table must be a central government or PSU employee.
The TMC has argued that the directive was issued without proper authority and based on “mere apprehension”. It also raised concerns over neutrality of central staff in a politically sensitive state election.
The High Court, however, rejected these arguments, saying the Election Commission has the legal authority under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to deploy such personnel. It also noted that allegations of bias were unsubstantiated.
EC’s stand
The Election Commission defended its decision, arguing it falls within its statutory powers and was aimed at ensuring smooth counting. It also pointed out that the petition was filed at the last moment, close to counting day.
The Supreme Court hearing is expected to focus on the extent of the EC’s discretion in deploying counting staff, and whether judicial intervention is warranted at this late stage.
Meanwhile, the EC has already announced repolling in 15 booths in South 24 Parganas following reports of EVM irregularities during the second phase of polling held on April 29.
(With inputs from agencies)
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