Calcutta HC refuses to intervene in plea against Ajay Pal Sharma till April 29

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday declined to intervene in a plea filed against police observer Ajay Pal Sharma, stating that no action would be taken until April 29, the day of the second phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026. The court made it clear that it would not interfere in the ongoing electoral process or obstruct officials performing election duties during this critical period.

The matter was mentioned before the bench of Justice Krishna Rao, where concerns were raised over the conduct of the observer in South 24 Parganas. However, the court observed that any intervention at this stage could disrupt the election process and therefore refused to entertain the plea immediately. It further advised that complaints, if any, should be submitted to the Election Commission through proper channels.

The controversy stems from an incident in Falta, where Ajay Pal Sharma, accompanied by central forces, was conducting patrols in areas identified as sensitive. According to sources, a list of individuals allegedly involved in voter intimidation or potential unrest had been prepared, and visits were made accordingly. Tensions escalated when his convoy passed near the office of Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan, triggering protests by party workers.

The ruling All India Trinamool Congress strongly objected to the development, alleging that the observer’s actions were intimidating local residents rather than ensuring neutrality. Jahangir Khan claimed that such conduct was inappropriate for an election observer and insisted that any complaints should be routed through local police authorities instead of direct intervention.

With political tensions rising ahead of polling, the court’s refusal to intervene has temporarily eased legal uncertainty but left the issue to be addressed by the Election Commission. The situation in the region remains sensitive, as competing allegations continue to shape the pre-poll atmosphere.