Calcutta High Court Rejects TMC’s Plea Over Appointment of Central Staff for Counting

The Calcutta High Court has dismissed an application by the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) challenging the exclusive appointment of Central Government and PSU employees as counting supervisors for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Justice Krishna Rao ruled that it is the Election Commission’s prerogative to choose personnel from either the Central or State services.

Rejecting allegations of potential bias, the Court held that transparency is ensured through multiple stakeholders, including micro-observers and CCTV surveillance.

Emphasizing judicial restraint during ongoing elections, noting that any proven irregularities can be addressed later through an election petition under the Representation of the People Act.

[All India Trinamool Congress v. Election Commission of India]