Calcutta High Court Directs ECI to Enforce Strict Appointment Guidelines for Poll Counting Staff

The Calcutta High Court has mandated that the Election Commission of India (ECI) follows the guidelines set by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal when appointing counting staff for the Lok Sabha polls. This directive came after BJP candidate Rathin Chakraborty's petition. Counting will occur nationwide on Tuesday.

In a significant move, the Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to adhere strictly to the guidelines laid down by West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for appointing counting staff for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The directive follows a petition filed by Rathin Chakraborty, the BJP candidate from Howrah, who urged the court to prevent the ECI from engaging contractual, casual, Anganwadi workers, para teachers, and civic volunteers for vote counting duties.

Justice Amrita Sinha, presiding over a vacation bench, reaffirmed the necessity for compliance with the prescribed guidelines. The ECI’s advocate reported that steps are already underway to ensure adherence, aligning with both the CEO’s guidelines and the ECI's order. Votes will be tallied nationwide on Tuesday, a crucial day for Indian democracy.