Supreme Court to Hear TMC's Challenge Against Election Commission's Staffing Directive Ahead of West Bengal Vote Counting
SC Sets Special Bench On TMC Plea Over EC's Central Staff Order: What To Expect In Hearing
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The Supreme Court of India will hear a plea from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) challenging the Election Commission's decision to deploy central government and Public Sector Undertaking employees for vote counting in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The case is urgent as counting is set for May 4, and the TMC seeks to overturn a previous ruling by the Calcutta High Court.
- 01The Supreme Court will hear TMC's challenge on May 4, just before vote counting.
- 02TMC argues the Election Commission's directive lacks authority and raises neutrality concerns.
- 03The Calcutta High Court previously upheld the Election Commission's decision.
- 04The Election Commission claims its actions are within statutory powers to ensure smooth counting.
- 05Repolling has been announced in 15 booths due to reported irregularities.
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The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a plea from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday, May 4, regarding the Election Commission's (EC) directive to deploy central government and Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees for vote counting in the West Bengal Assembly elections. This comes just days before the counting of votes for the 294-seat Assembly, scheduled for Monday. The TMC is challenging a Calcutta High Court ruling that upheld the EC's decision, arguing that the directive was issued without proper authority and raises concerns over the neutrality of central staff in a politically sensitive election. The High Court found no illegality in the EC's actions, stating that the commission has the legal authority under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The EC defends its decision as necessary for ensuring a smooth counting process. Additionally, the EC has announced repolling in 15 booths in South 24 Parganas due to irregularities reported during the second phase of polling on April 29.
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The outcome of this hearing could significantly affect the integrity and perception of the vote counting process in West Bengal, a state with a politically charged atmosphere.
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