The Supreme Court has allowed the use of central forces in the upcoming July 8th panchayat elections in West Bengal. This decision was made after the state government and the state election commission’s appeals against a Calcutta high court ruling were dismissed. The high court’s order was to ensure free and fair elections, and the Supreme Court saw no reason to interfere with this directive.
The bench of justices BV Nagarathna and Manoj Mishra emphasized the importance of free and fair elections for grassroots democracy. They explained that having central forces stationed throughout all districts will ensure decorum at all polling places, not just sensitive ones. The court stated that violence cannot be tolerated during elections, and that candidates must be able to file nominations without fear of harm.
Although the state election commission and administration believed that more forces were necessary for legitimate elections, they disagreed with the high court’s order to requisition central forces. The bench instructed the West Bengal administration to bring in central forces if the police forces are unable to handle the problem. The court acknowledged that state and central forces would eventually need to work together for a free and fair election.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision will help ensure a peaceful and fair election in West Bengal.
