Supreme Court upholds HC order for deployment of 'Paramilitary Forces' in WB Panchayat Elections

The Supreme Court has upheld the order of the Calcutta High Court, which directed the deployment of central paramilitary forces for the forthcoming panchayat elections in West Bengal.

The State Election Commission (SEC) had approached the Supreme Court, contesting the High Court's decision, claiming that it encroached upon the commission's authority. The matter was heard by the vacation bench of justices Surya Kant and MM Sundresh.

The Calcutta High Court had instructed the SEC on June 13 to deploy central forces in all districts of West Bengal due to the escalating violence preceding the panchayat polls. Expressing disappointment with the SEC's failure to request paramilitary forces from the central government, the High Court directed the commission to implement its directives within 48 hours, on June 15.

Opposition parties have consistently raised concerns about significant violence in West Bengal leading up to the panchayat elections. They have called for the deployment of central paramilitary forces to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the state.

The SEC argued in the Supreme Court that the High Court's decision to deploy central forces without giving sufficient opportunity to the state poll panel exceeded the judicial powers of the court. The commission also contended that the arrangements made by the state government were adequate to maintain law and order during the elections.

To address the issue of election-related violence, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose announced the establishment of a "Peace Room" at the Raj Bhawan. The purpose of this initiative is to provide a platform for the common people to exercise their franchise without fear.