‘No Illegality’: Supreme Court Rejects TMC Challenge to Election Commission Circular

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has rejected the petition filed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding the deployment of central personnel during the counting of votes in West Bengal. The top court clarified that there is no legal flaw in the Election Commission's instructions and there is no need to issue additional orders in this matter. With this decision of the court, the ongoing controversy regarding the vote counting process seems to be calming down for the time being.

What did the SC say?

During the hearing, the court made it clear that the Election Commission has the right to select the counting personnel. If the commission selects personnel from a fixed pool of central government employees, it cannot be faulted. The court also acknowledged that the guidelines issued are in accordance with the law.

What assurance did the Election Commission give?

The Election Commission assured the court that the circular issued on April 13 will be fully followed. It was also said that the returning officer at the counting centre, who is an official of the state government, will keep an eye on the entire process and control will remain with him.

Why did TMC object?

Trinamool Congress argued that increasing the presence of central employees at every counting table could upset the balance. The party feared that this could affect the fairness of vote counting and raise questions on the electoral process.

Wasn't relief received from the High Court earlier also?

Earlier, Calcutta High Court had also rejected TMC's petition. After this the party immediately moved the Supreme Court and demanded hearing of the case before counting of votes.

Was there any objection to additional central personnel?

TMC also said that officers of central services are already deployed as micro-observers. In such a situation, it is not necessary to add more central personnel and this may affect the fairness of the process.

Should the matter now be considered completely closed?

After the decision of the Supreme Court, it has now become clear that the counting of votes will happen as per the rules set by the Election Commission. Although debate on this issue may continue at the political level, legally the commission's decision has been approved.