TMC approaches HC questioning transfer of 173 OCs before poll notification

A legal challenge has been filed in the Calcutta High Court questioning the large-scale transfer of 267 officials, including 173 police station Officers-in-Charge (OCs), just before the formal poll notification. The petition raises concerns over the timing and scale of the Election Commission’s directive.

On Sunday, the Election Commission of India ordered the transfer of OCs and Inspectors-in-Charge across 173 police stations in one go, affecting 184 police personnel. Earlier the same day, 83 Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Assistant Returning Officers across 18 districts were also transferred, taking the total number of reshuffled officials to 267 within a single day.

The matter was moved on Monday by lawyer Kalyan Banerjee before a division bench led by Chief Justice Sujay Paul, seeking urgent intervention. The court permitted the filing of the case, and a hearing is expected shortly. The plea questions why such sweeping transfers were carried out before the official notification for the first phase of polling.

The transfers are part of a broader administrative reshuffle initiated after the Model Code of Conduct came into force following the announcement of election dates on March 15. Changes have been made across multiple levels, including senior bureaucrats, police officials, District Magistrates, and Superintendents of Police, intensifying the administrative overhaul ahead of the polls.

The scale and timing of the transfers have triggered political reactions, with the ruling party alleging political motives behind the move. The Election Commission, however, has maintained its position in court regarding the necessity of such measures. The issue has now moved into the judicial domain, where the court is expected to examine the legality and timing of the pre-notification reshuffle.