The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission of India to file its response to a petition demanding that Central Armed Police Forces be deployed in West Bengal during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The matter was taken up by a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which noted that if credible concerns about intimidation or disorder are raised, the poll body cannot remain passive.
The plea before the court alleges that the local police in several parts of the state may not be able to ensure a neutral and secure environment during the revision process. The petitioners argue that political pressures and hostility on the ground could compromise the safety of booth-level officers and influence the integrity of the exercise. They therefore sought central forces to insulate the process from any potential interference.
The court, however, closely examined the material placed before it. During the hearing, the bench questioned whether the evidence which included a single FIR and references to threats against election officials — was enough to establish that the situation in West Bengal warranted exceptional measures. Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked that one incident alone might not justify immediate deployment of central forces unless a broader pattern of law-and-order issues is demonstrated.
Despite these reservations, the Supreme Court decided to issue notice to the Election Commission and the Union government, giving them an opportunity to address the concerns raised. The justices also emphasized that the Election Commission carries a constitutional responsibility to ensure that electoral processes remain free from intimidation and must act promptly if there are signs of escalating tension.
The court will now examine the Commission’s reply, along with any additional material placed on record, before deciding whether central security forces are necessary to safeguard the Special Intensive Revision process in the state. The next hearing is expected to determine whether the apprehensions raised by the petitioners merit intervention at the level sought.
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