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Calcutta HC Seeks ECI Report on Bengal Polling Booth Infrastructure

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Election Commission of India to submit a report on the infrastructure conditions of polling booths in West Bengal. This order came on a Public Interest Litigation filed by BJP state President Samik Bhattacharya, alleging poor facilities. The court noted the ECI's primary responsibility in reviewing booth infrastructure and its power to instruct the state government. The matter will be heard again next week after the ECI submits its report.

Key Points: Calcutta HC Asks ECI for Report on Bengal Polling Booths

  • Court seeks ECI report on booth conditions
  • PIL filed by BJP state chief
  • Infrastructure includes AMF and EMF facilities
  • Matter to be heard again next week
  • MBL declined to be implementation agency
2 min read

Calcutta HC seeks report from ECI on condition of polling booths in Bengal

Calcutta High Court directs Election Commission to submit report on infrastructure conditions in West Bengal polling stations ahead of Assembly elections.

"The primary responsibility of reviewing the infrastructure conditions of the polling booth lies with the ECI - Calcutta High Court"

Kolkata, Jan 30

The Calcutta High Court on Friday sought a report from the Election Commission of India on the infrastructure conditions in the polling booths in West Bengal, ahead of the upcoming crucial Assembly polls.

A division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen sought the report from the commission acting on a public interest litigation, alleging poor infrastructure conditions in several polling booths in the state.

The public interest litigation was filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state President and Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya.

As the matter came up for hearing, the bench stated that no detailed order in the matter could be given without hearing the ECI's argument on this matter, and thus, sought a report from the poll panel in the matter.

It observed that the primary responsibility of reviewing the infrastructure conditions of the polling booth lies with the ECI, and the latter can give necessary instructions to the state government in this matter.

Hence, it sought a report from the Commission on what initiatives they have taken to ensure the infrastructure maintenance of the polling booths in the state.

The matter will be heard again next week.

The Election Commission has clear guidelines on the minimum infrastructure facilities that need to be maintained at the polling booths in any state or Union Territory. However, there had been long complaints among the voters in West Bengal that even such infrastructure facilities are not maintained in several polling booths in the state, especially in remote rural areas.

In view of the upcoming Assembly elections, the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), this time, wanted to make state public sector undertaking, Mackintosh Burn Limited (MBL), the implementation agency for maintaining infrastructure facilities, technically termed as assured minimum facilities (AMF) and extended minimum facilities (EMF), for the polling booths in the state.

Initially, the MBL management agreed to that also. But later, they informed the CEO's office of their inability to take up the task.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move by the court. But why did it take a PIL by a political party to bring this to light? The state CEO's office should have been proactive. The last-minute backing out by MBL shows a lack of planning. Infrastructure is not a partisan issue; it's about ensuring every citizen can vote without hardship.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the court's direction, I hope the focus remains on the facilities and not the politics behind the PIL. The report should be transparent and address the genuine complaints from remote areas. A strong electoral process builds trust.
A
Aman W
Absolutely necessary step. In my village during the last panchayat polls, the booth was in a dilapidated school building with no proper shade or drinking water. People had to stand in the sun for hours. If we want high voter turnout, basic dignity must be provided. ECI needs to crack the whip.
K
Karthik V
The court is right to put the primary responsibility on the ECI. They are the final authority. State governments come and go, but the Commission's standards should be uniform and non-negotiable across all states. Let's see what their report says.
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Nisha Z
A respectful criticism: While infrastructure is crucial, I hope the court and ECI also focus on the more critical issues of voter intimidation and violence, which have been reported from some parts of Bengal. A good building means little if voters are afraid to show up. Both aspects need equal attention.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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