The Calcutta High Court directed the state election commission to deploy central forces that will work in sync with the state police force for the upcoming panchayat elections in West Bengal.
The election commission will first send a requisition for the deployment of forces in areas it considers sensitive. After reviewing the state’s plan (for the security situation), the commission will seek the deployment of paramilitary forces where there is an inadequate state police force.
The court observed that the central government will bear the cost of the deployment.
The division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya didn’t quash the notification as announced by the state election commission last week.
The court also felt that it was not feasible to consider the pleas on the filing of nomination before the district magistrate concerned or the state election commission.
It directed the commission to install CCTV cameras in all polling stations, and at the venues where the installation was not feasible, the entire election process—from the filing of nomination papers to the declaration of result—be videographed.
The court observed that the commission's reasons for a single-day counting are fair and reasonable and do not require interference.
Taking note of a state police circular concerning the engagement of civic volunteers, the court directed the commission not to assign them duties that “dehors” the circular. In case the commission engages the civic volunteers, only duties mentioned in the circular, be assigned to them, it stated.
The court also directed the commission to take all steps to ensure the safety and security of the polling officers and personnel. For the polling stations where central force has not been deployed, it would be the responsibility of the state police to ensure the safety and security of the polling officers and personnel.
The court asked the commission to react promptly in the event of any complaints and take swift action against those who indulge in violence.