High court directs station in-charge to provide security for opposition candidates' nomination filing

In a crucial development amidst the ongoing nomination process for the Panchayat elections in West Bengal, the Calcutta High Court has issued a significant decision aimed at curbing incidents of violence across the state.

With today marking the last day of nominations, the Court, under the leadership of Justice Raj Shekhar Mantha, has directed candidates from all opposition parties to gather at a designated location where complaints of hindrance in nomination filing have been reported. The Court's intervention seeks to uphold the democratic principles of a fair and inclusive electoral process.

Notably, numerous complaints have emerged from North and South 24 Parganas, prompting the Court to emphasize the urgency of action. To address the issue effectively, Justice Mantha has ordered that the concerned police station, Hare Street, under the Kolkata Police, provide assistance to the respective areas' police stations in facilitating the filing of nominations for the opposition candidates.

Of particular concern is the reported prevention of Indian Secular Front (ISF) candidates from filing nominations in Bhangarh, South 24 Parganas, where a sustained wave of violence has persisted since Monday. In response, the Court has directed 82 ISF candidates who were unable to file nominations thus far to submit their forms at Bhangarh and Kashipur police stations. The North 24 Parganas District Police Administration will then ensure their security as they proceed to complete the nomination process.

Similarly, candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been instructed to assemble at the office of the Basirhat District Superintendent of Police. From there, they will be provided with necessary security measures to facilitate the smooth filing of their nominations. The Court has urged the police authorities to promptly implement this order to ensure the unhindered participation of candidates from all political parties.