Calcutta HC refuses action on Bengal poll officers till April 29: BJP welcomes ruling
Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court's refusal to restrict an Election Commission observer in West Bengal — just hours before the second phase of polling — is more than a procedural ruling. It effectively endorses the ECI's authority on the ground, and hands BJP a political talking point as voting approaches in sensitive constituencies like Diamond Harbour.
Key Takeaways
The Calcutta High Court ruled on Tuesday that it would not pass any order on election-duty officers until 29 April 2025 , the day of West Bengal's second-phase polling.
TMC candidate Jahangir Khan had alleged that EC observer Ajay Pal Sharma threatened his family and locals in Falta Assembly constituency , South 24 Parganas .
BJP leader and Union MoS Sukanta Majumdar said the ruling shows the Election Commission is "on the right track" and accused state police of bias.
BJP leader Locket Chatterjee said TMC filed the complaint out of fear of impartial observers, and expressed confidence in peaceful polling in Diamond Harbour .
The EC's deployment strategy in sensitive areas, including South 24 Parganas , will be closely watched through the final phase of voting.
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ruled that it would not pass any order related to officers deployed on election duty until 29 April 2025, the day of the second phase of polling in West Bengal. The decision drew immediate praise from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who called it a vindication of the Election Commission of India's (ECI) deployment decisions.
Background: What Triggered the Petition
The matter came before the court after a lawyer verbally appealed to restrict Election Commission-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma. The appeal was linked to allegations made by All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan, who claimed that Sharma had issued threats to his family members and locals in Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district's Diamond Harbour region. The court's refusal to act on the plea effectively keeps Sharma's deployment intact through the second phase of voting.
What BJP Leaders Said
Union Minister of State and former West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar hailed the court's judgment, saying it demonstrated that the Election Commission was functioning correctly.
Point of View
Or whether their presence is largely symbolic. TMC's decision to escalate to the courts, rather than through the EC's own grievance mechanism, suggests either a lack of confidence in the commission or a deliberate attempt to generate optics. Either way, the second-phase turnout figures from South 24 Parganas will tell a more honest story than either party's press statements.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Calcutta High Court refuse to act on the poll observer case?
The Calcutta High Court declined to pass any order related to officers on election duty until 29 April 2025, the date of West Bengal's second-phase polling. The court effectively chose not to interfere with the Election Commission's deployment decisions during an active voting period.
Who is Ajay Pal Sharma and why is he at the centre of the controversy?
Ajay Pal Sharma is an Election Commission-appointed police observer deployed in West Bengal ahead of the second phase of polling. TMC candidate Jahangir Khan alleged that Sharma threatened his family members and locals in Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district.
How did BJP respond to the Calcutta High Court ruling?
BJP leaders welcomed the ruling. Union MoS Sukanta Majumdar said it showed the Election Commission was on the right track, while BJP leader Locket Chatterjee said the TMC had filed the complaint out of fear of impartial observers.
Where is the second phase of West Bengal polling taking place?
The second phase of West Bengal polling is scheduled for 29 April 2025 and covers constituencies including Falta in South 24 Parganas district's Diamond Harbour area, which has been flagged as a sensitive zone.
What has the BJP alleged about TMC and the election process?
BJP's Sukanta Majumdar alleged that TMC is uncomfortable with impartial officers because free and fair voting would go against the party. He called on the Election Commission to take firmer action in sensitive areas like South 24 Parganas.
