'WB Panchayat elections should be stopped in Bengal, emergency should be implemented', case filed in Calcutta High Court

A petition has been filed in the Calcutta High Court, urging the suspension of the ongoing panchayat elections in West Bengal and the declaration of a state of emergency. The plea highlights widespread irregularities surrounding the elections and seeks permission to present the case before Chief Justice TS Sivagnam.

After examining the matter, Chief Justice TS Shivagnam granted permission to file the case. Subsequently, another case regarding the panchayat elections was also registered in the High Court.

The petitioner not only demands the suspension of the panchayat elections but also requests the imposition of an emergency, citing incidents of violence during the nomination process and subsequent unrest in the state. The petitioner's lawyer contends that the law and order situation in the state is deteriorating. The court will thoroughly examine the matter and decide on the implementation of an emergency in the state.

In a separate case filed by the Indian Secular Front (ISF), Justice Amrita Sinha ordered that 82 ISF candidates, who were unable to submit their nominations due to violence and unrest on the last day of the nomination period, should be given an opportunity to file their nominations.

On the final day of the nomination phase, the High Court had previously ordered enhanced security measures for opposition candidates. However, violence escalated later in the day, preventing many ISF candidates from reaching the enrollment centers on time.

There were also issues during the scrutiny process as their names were unexpectedly removed from the commission's website. Consequently, 82 ISF candidates from Bhangar approached the High Court seeking redress. Justice Amrita Sinha directed the commission to thoroughly investigate all the complaints and instructed that if the allegations were found to be true, the 82 candidates should be allowed to contest the elections. Both the commission and the state government opposed this application in court.

During the nomination process, numerous instances of violence and intimidation were reported. The Calcutta High Court extended the nomination submission deadline for certain blocks in Bhangarh, Meenkhan, and Sandeshkhali.

Tragically, 10 individuals lost their lives in incidents of firing and bomb blasts during the nomination phase. The opposition parties approached the High Court, alleging inadequate security arrangements for the elections. Under pressure from the court, the Election Commission deployed 822 companies of security forces. However, the issue of central forces remains a subject of contention.