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Calcutta HC Clears College Teachers as Presiding Officers for Bengal Polls

The Calcutta High Court has overturned a previous order that quashed the Election Commission's decision to appoint college teachers as presiding officers for the West Bengal Assembly polls. A division bench accepted the ECI's argument that such appointments have been made in past elections without challenge. The court noted that some teachers had already complied with training, making different rules for others unfair. The two-phase elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4.

Key Points: Calcutta HC Allows College Teachers as Poll Presiding Officers

  • Court overturns single-judge order
  • ECI can appoint college teachers
  • Past precedent cited
  • Training completed teachers must serve
  • Elections on April 23 & 29
2 min read

Bengal polls: Calcutta HC now allows college teachers' appointment as presiding officers

Calcutta High Court overturns order, permits Election Commission to appoint college teachers as presiding officers for the West Bengal Assembly elections.

"cleared the decks for the polls panel to recruit college teachers as the Presiding Officers - Calcutta High Court Division Bench"

Kolkata, April 21

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday overturned the earlier order of a single judge bench quashing the Election Commission of India's decision to appoint college teachers as presiding officers for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal.

On April 17, a single-judge Bench of Justice Krishna Rao quashed the ECI's order for the appointment of college teachers as presiding officers for the forthcoming polls, but maintained that the college teachers who have already undergone necessary training in the matter will have to act as presiding officers this time.

Justice Rao, at the same time, gave freedom to the Commission to appoint college teachers for other electoral duties according to their service grades and pay scales.

The ECI, on April 20, approached the division bench of Justice Shampa Sarkar and Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta, challenging the main part of the order of the single-judge bench.

The matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, and after a detailed hearing in the matter, the division bench scrapped the earlier order and cleared the decks for the polls panel to recruit college teachers as the Presiding Officers.

It accepted the argument of the poll panel that there had been past instances of appointing college teachers as presiding officers in previous elections, and never before had the decision been challenged.

The division bench also observed that while a section of the college teachers had opposed the move, another section had already complied as directed by the Commission, and hence there could not be two sets of rules for two sets of college teachers.

Elections to the West Bengal Assembly are to be held on April 23 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4, along with those polled in the elections to the Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry Assemblies.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a teacher myself, I have mixed feelings. While it's our civic duty, the training and extra workload during the academic session is stressful. The court is right that you can't have two sets of rules. Hopefully, the honorarium is fair and the process is smooth. 🤞
R
Rohit P
Finally some sense prevails! The High Court has correctly pointed out this has been the practice before. Why challenge it now? Bengal elections are always high-voltage, we need every capable person to ensure free and fair polling. Jai Hind!
A
Anjali F
Respectfully, I must disagree with the court's reasoning. Just because something was done in the past doesn't make it right. Teachers' primary duty is to students. Pulling them away during crucial teaching time affects education quality. The ECI should have a permanent, trained cadre for this.
D
David E
Interesting to follow Indian election logistics from abroad. The scale is immense. Using educated professionals like teachers seems a practical solution to manage the polling stations. The back-and-forth in the courts shows a vibrant democracy at work.
K
Karthik V
The most important thing is that the election happens without a hitch. With the dates so close, this clarity from the High Court was needed. Now let's hope for peaceful voting and a result that the people of Bengal accept. 🙏

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