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West Bengal elections: Both central, state officers at counting centres, EC tells SC
The Election Commission told the Supreme Court that counting would involve one central government/PSU employee and one state government employee at each counting table to maintain balance, and the TMC petition alleging bias was dismissed. This followed EC's April 13 circular and a brief court review, with counting scheduled for May 4. The development aims to reassure neutrality during the vote-count in West Bengal.
Why It Matters
The ruling addresses concerns about neutrality in the vote-count process, signaling how central and state authorities coordinate counting roles. It affects public trust in the integrity of the West Bengal election results.
Timeline
3 Events
Counting at centres scheduled for May 4, 2026
May 2, 2026
Counting of votes at West Bengal counting centres is scheduled for May 4, 2026, with the Election Commission's circular on counting personnel to be followed as per the court's guidance.
SC hearing: EC tells SC to implement balancing circular; TMC petition dismissed
May 2, 2026
In a special hearing before Justices P. S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi, the EC told the Supreme Court that counting posts would be filled by one central government/PSU employee and one state government employee to maintain balance. The Supreme Court dismissed the TMC's petition after these clarifications and ordered that the April 13 circular be implemented in true letter and spirit.
EC circular on counting personnel to balance central/state roles
April 13, 2026
Election Commission issues a circular stating that at least one counting supervisor and one counting assistant at each counting table will be a central government or central PSU employee, paired with a counterpart from the state government to maintain balance in the counting process.