Calcutta HC directs EC to respond to TMC in 24 hours over police observer bias allegation

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Election Commission of India to submit a written response within 24 hours to allegations raised by the Trinamool Congress regarding the neutrality of a police observer in South Bengal. The directive was issued by Justice Krishna Rao after the party approached the court seeking the removal of police observer P. S. Purushottam Das, who is overseeing Diamond Harbour, Falta, and Magrahat East and West constituencies.

The Trinamool Congress had earlier lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission on April 21, alleging bias and inaction. As no response was received, the party moved the High Court. During the hearing, Trinamool’s counsel Mainak Basu claimed that the observer had held a meeting at a hotel with BJP candidates Gaur Ghosh and Dipak Halder, raising concerns about impartiality. The party argued that despite informing the Commission about the alleged meeting, no corrective steps were taken.

Responding to the allegations, the Election Commission rejected the claims and maintained that the meeting took place at a designated venue equipped with CCTV cameras, ensuring transparency. The Commission stated that observers are required to interact with political stakeholders as part of their duties and that such interactions are not unusual. It further argued that if there had been any wrongdoing, the CCTV footage would have reflected it. The Commission also remarked that perceptions of bias can sometimes stem from subjective interpretation.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court directed the Election Commission to formally communicate its position in writing within 24 hours. The case has brought renewed focus on the role and neutrality of election observers, particularly amid heightened political tensions during the ongoing Assembly election process.