The Calcutta High Court has directed the Election Commission and the West Bengal government to file reports on a PIL alleging withdrawal of election-related infrastructure work. The Court said the EC has the authority to ensure proper facilities for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Bengal Assembly elections.
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has asked the Election Commission and the West Bengal government to submit detailed reports within one week in connection with a public interest litigation (PIL) related to preparations for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
The PIL has been filed by Samik Bhattacharya, who claimed that a state government undertaking has decided to pull out of important infrastructure work meant for the elections. According to the petition, this sudden decision could affect the “smooth conduct of the polls”.
ALSO READ: Petition Filed in Calcutta HC Seeks Protection for Bengal Opposition Workers
While hearing the matter, a division bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul observed that the Election Commission is
“within its powers to ensure that infrastructure facilities are done for the polls”.
The bench made it clear that election-related arrangements must not be disrupted, especially when the state is heading towards Assembly elections in the coming months.
The petitioner told the court that the state-owned company Macintosh Burn Limited had unexpectedly expressed its intention to withdraw from completing the assigned infrastructure work. He argued that if the company steps back at this stage, it may seriously hamper the election process and create logistical problems during polling.
The division bench, which also included Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, directed all concerned parties to file their respective reports within a week. After the reports are submitted, the High Court will hear the matter again and decide on further action.
The case highlights concerns over election preparedness in West Bengal, with the court stressing the importance of ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place to conduct free and fair elections without administrative hurdles.
Click Here to Read More Reports On Bengal Assembly Poll
