The Supreme Court today issued notices to the West Bengal government and the Centre on the State Election Commission’s plea for adequate security force for panchayat polls.
Earlier in the day, the West Bengal State Election Commission moved the Supreme Court against the State Government.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Joymalya Bagchi of the Calcutta High Court was already hearing the matter following an application filed by the Commission. On Tuesday, the High Court suggested both the State and the SEC increase the phases of polls to cope with an “acute shortfall” of security personnel.
Meanwhile, a drama unfolded at the High Court when the Commission submitted that it has moved the Supreme Court, citing the urgency of holding elections – which are scheduled to happen on July 2, 6 and 9.
While Ashok Banerjee, Government Pleader, said that the commission’s decision to move the apex court is “disgraceful” and “unconstitutional”, Samaraditya Pal, Counsel for the commission, asked the High Court whether moving to Supreme Court was a “disgrace”.
“They (SEC) don’t have the courtesy even to inform the court or the parties before moving the Supreme Court. This is a clear indication that it (SEC) doesn’t want to conduct the polls,” Banerjee told the Court.
Chief Justice Arun Mishra observed that he was “fed up” with the matter. “It is better both of you (State and the Commission) move to Delhi (Supreme Court). We are fed up with the case. It is an unholy battle,” he said.
“Entire India is looking at the case and I am happy that it has gone to the Supreme Court. At least there will be a verdict now. I am fed up with the case,” the Chief Justice observed.
The court expressed its discontent and observed that it was “shocked at the conduct of the parties”.