Deploying Central Forces in Bengal Panchayat Elections: Calcutta High Court's Directive Shakes Mamata Banerjee Government

Central forces deployed to ensure security during Bengal Panchayat Elections, following the Calcutta High Court's directive.

The Calcutta High Court has issued a significant directive, ordering the deployment of more than 82,000 central forces personnel within 24 hours for the upcoming Bengal panchayat elections. This decision has dealt a major blow to the Mamata Banerjee government, following the Supreme Court's validation of the High Court's order. The court stressed the urgency to surpass the previous number of central forces deployed during the panchayat elections, highlighting the need to maintain peace and security.

Chief Justice Challenges State Election Commissioner

Expressing dissatisfaction, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court urged the state election commissioner to step down if unable to handle the pressure. The court questioned the absence of commission officers during the hearing and emphasized their essential presence. The Chief Justice suggested that if the commission is overwhelmed, it should conclude its tasks promptly.

Court's Warning Against Obstruction

The court warned of adverse consequences for any attempts to obstruct the implementation of its order. This emphasizes the court's determination to ensure the successful deployment of central forces and maintain law and order during the panchayat elections.

Supreme Court Upholds High Court Order

The Supreme Court dismissed the petitions filed by the Bengal government and the poll body, upholding the High Court's order to deploy central forces in the state for the panchayat elections. The court emphasized that elections should not become an excuse for violence and reiterated the state election commission's responsibility to conduct a free and fair election.

Timeline of Judicial Decisions

The Calcutta High Court initially directed the poll body to deploy central paramilitary forces for the upcoming elections. Subsequently, the court ordered the commission to call central forces for all districts in the state within 48 hours. This order was jointly challenged by the state government and the state poll body in the Supreme Court.

Details of the Panchayat Elections

The panchayat elections are scheduled for July 8, covering nearly 75,000 seats in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. Vote counting is set for July 11. To facilitate the extensive electoral process, approximately 61,000 polling booths have been established across the state.

Recent developments surrounding the Bengal panchayat elections have had a profound impact on the Mamata Banerjee government. The Calcutta High Court's directive to deploy a significant number of central forces, along with the Supreme Court's validation of this decision, demonstrates the courts' commitment to ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process. The orders aim to address the prevailing violence in the state and emphasize the responsibility of the state election commission in conducting transparent elections.