Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: As vote counting continues in West Bengal assembly elections with BJP leading in several seats, the Supreme Court on Monday declined to directly intervene in a petition seeking deployment of central forces to prevent post-poll violence, advising the petitioner to approach the relevant High Court instead.
What the Petition Demanded
The petition requested that central forces remain deployed in West Bengal after election results to prevent potential violence. It also sought the formation of a monitoring committee under a retired Supreme Court judge to oversee the law-and-order situation.
Arguments Presented in Court
Senior advocate VV Giri argued before the court that the Election Commission may step back from its responsibilities once results are declared, potentially leading to a breakdown of law and order in the state. The Election Commission’s counsel, senior advocate DS Naidu, clarified that the Commission’s role officially ends after vote counting is complete.
Supreme Court’s Stand
Chief Justice Suryakant stated that everything in West Bengal would likely conclude by evening and questioned the urgency requiring immediate intervention. Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the political executive, not the courts. The CJI expressed hope that the state government would act responsibly. The next hearing has been scheduled for May 11.
