New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India dismissed concerns raised by the All India Trinamool Congress regarding the appointment of central government personnel in the election counting process, urging the party to place trust in government officials.
During the hearing, the court observed that the argument suggesting central government employees would act with bias was flawed. It emphasised that such assumptions lacked basis and that all officials involved in the process should be given due credibility.
The remarks came shortly after the Calcutta High Court upheld the decision of the Election Commission of India to appoint central government and public sector employees as counting supervisors and assistants. The earlier petition challenging this move had also been dismissed.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Trinamool Congress, questioned the rationale behind the appointments, arguing that it indicated doubts about state machinery. However, the bench clarified that the selection of personnel falls within the Election Commission’s discretion and cannot be deemed improper simply because it includes central government officers.
The court further pointed out that counting agents from various parties, along with supervisors and micro-observers, would be present during the process, ensuring transparency. It also noted that returning officers, who are typically state government employees, retain overall control of the counting exercise.
The Election Commission assured the court that officials from both central and state services would be involved, addressing concerns about representation. It reiterated that appointments are made within the legal framework and are aimed at maintaining neutrality.
With these observations, the Supreme Court disposed of the petition, stating that no further intervention was required. The decision reinforces the Election Commission’s authority in conducting elections and comes just ahead of vote counting in the West Bengal Assembly polls.
