Calcutta HC rejects extension of panchayat election date, calls for deployment of central forces

The Calcutta High Court has refused to intervene in matters concerning the nomination process for the upcoming Panchayat elections.

The court emphasized that the Election Commission is an autonomous body, and only the State Election Commission holds the authority to make decisions in this regard. The High Court stated that it will not interfere, leaving the decision-making to the State Election Commission officials.

The State Election Commission has scheduled the Panchayat elections for July 8, but it has also declared seven districts as sensitive and called for the deployment of Central Forces in those areas.

The opposition leader, Shubhendu Adhikari, and Congress MP Adhir Chowdhury had approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking demands such as the deployment of Central Forces and an extension of the nomination period.

In the hearing held by a division bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, the court proposed an alternative date for the polls and an extension of the nomination period. However, the court's final judgment did not mention these proposals.

The Calcutta High Court specified that the State Election Commission would make decisions regarding online nominations. It also highlighted the need for Central Forces in sensitive districts and suggested alternatives for areas where the Central Forces cannot be deployed.

The court urged the use of CCTV cameras and videography in polling stations where possible, and stressed that civic police should not be used.