Supreme Court Upholds Election Commission's Directive Amid TMC Challenge

The Supreme Court refused to issue additional directions regarding TMC's plea against the Election Commission's deployment of central personnel for vote counting in West Bengal. The court affirmed the Commission's April 13 circular, favoring a blend of central and state employees, and dismissed any need for further orders.

The Supreme Court on Saturday turned down a plea by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) challenging the Election Commission's (EC) decision to deploy central government personnel during vote counting in West Bengal. The court upheld the EC's earlier circular issued on April 13, which called for a combination of central and state government employees in the counting process scheduled for May 4.

A bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi stated that the poll body holds the discretion to appoint counting personnel and found the framework to be within the legal boundaries. The court emphasized that the application of the circular by the EC would be in true letter and spirit.

During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing TMC, argued that the Commission's directive was issued without proper jurisdiction. However, the court reinforced the EC's authority, highlighting existing safeguards to prevent potential misconduct during the counting process. The plea was ultimately dismissed, with the court noting that the EC's approach was not contrary to law.