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SC to hear TMC plea demanding state staff be part of vote counting supervisor duty
The Trinamool Congress challenged Calcutta High Court's rejection of their plea to deploy only central government and PSU staff as counting supervisors for the May 4 vote count. The High Court had ruled that appointing counting supervisors is the Election Commission's prerogative and noted that central or PSUs could be used; it also stated there is no illegality in such appointments. The Supreme Court was listed to hear the matter urgently on May 2, 2026.
Why It Matters
The outcome will determine who oversees vote counting in West Bengal, testing the Election Commission's prerogative and potentially affecting perceived neutrality in the counting process.
Timeline
2 Events
May 2, 2026: Urgent Supreme Court hearing on TMC plea before Justices Narasimha and Bagchi
May 1, 2026
The matter has been listed for urgent hearing on Saturday before a Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi, since counting of votes is scheduled to be held on May 4. The future hearing date is May 2, 2026.
May 1, 2026: TMC moves Supreme Court against Calcutta High Court order on counting supervisors
May 1, 2026
The Trinamool Congress filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta High Court's order rejecting their plea to deploy central government and PSU employees as counting supervisors for the May 4 vote count. The High Court had said appointing central or state officers as counting supervisors is the Election Commission's prerogative and stated that central officers could be used if required, while allowing the petition to be challenged via an election petition if central officers manipulated counting. It noted that the statute allows the EC to appoint staff from either the state government, the central government, or PSUs for the role. EC counsel stated that Kerala had followed a similar practice, and the High Court dismissed the petition, indicating no illegality in appointing central government/PSU staff. It also noted that micro observers and other personnel would be present in the counting room.