The Supreme Court of India on Saturday disposed of the All India Trinamool Congress’ (AITC) plea regarding the appointment of counting supervisors for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. While the AITC initially challenged the exclusion of state employees, the bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi declined to issue specific mandates, choosing instead to record the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) assurance that it would strictly adhere to its April 13 circular.
Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Hearing
The legal battle, which reached the apex court following a dismissal by the Calcutta High Court, centered on the composition of personnel at counting tables for the upcoming May 4 results.
ECI’s Reassurance: Counsel for the ECI stated in court that the April 13 circular—which provides for a mix of both Central and State government employees in the counting process—would be implemented in “letter and spirit.”
The Court’s Stance: The bench noted that the existing regulations allow for personnel from either the Central or State government. “The option is open… we cannot hold that the notification is contrary to regulations,” the bench remarked, emphasizing that all personnel involved are ultimately government employees.
No Mandatory Stay: The Court refused to pass any fresh orders or stay the existing arrangements, stating it would only “reiterate the statement submitted by the ECI’s counsel that the circular in challenge would be implemented.”
Context of the Dispute
The AITC had moved the court expressing “apprehension of bias,” arguing that deploying only Central Government and Central PSU employees as supervisors could lead to partisan conduct. They contended that since the Central Government is run by their primary political rival, the BJP, the exclusion of state employees was arbitrary.
However, the ECI maintained that the inclusion of Central personnel was a measure to ensure transparency and address concerns of irregularities expressed by “various quarters.”
