Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has reserved its verdict on a Public Interest Litigation challenging the large-scale transfer, replacement and deputation of senior bureaucrats and police officers in West Bengal by the Election Commission of India following the announcement of elections.
A division bench comprising Sujoy Paul and Partha Sarathi Sen concluded hearings on Friday and directed the Election Commission to place all relevant records related to the transfers, replacements and deputations before the court on March 30.
The bench made it clear that the final verdict will be delivered only after examining the documents submitted by the Commission.
PIL Challenges Scale of Administrative Reshuffle in Bengal
The PIL questioned the scale and timing of transfers carried out by the Election Commission, arguing that a large number of senior officers had been moved after the poll schedule was announced, potentially affecting administrative continuity in the state.
The petition specifically raised concerns over key postings involving IAS and police officers, saying such reshuffles were unusually extensive.
Read also: Who Is IAS Rajeev Verma? Delhi Chief Secretary Allotted Controversial Jal Board Bungalow
Election Commission Defends Transfers as Routine Poll Practice
During the hearing, the Election Commission argued that transfers, deputations and replacements of officials before elections are standard administrative measures to ensure neutrality and smooth conduct of polls.
The Commission told the court that similar actions had been taken in several other poll-bound states and rejected allegations that West Bengal had been singled out.
According to the EC, 48 officials had been transferred in Bihar before its previous Assembly elections, while 61 officials were shifted in Maharashtra, 83 in Uttar Pradesh and 49 in Madhya Pradesh during election periods.
The Commission maintained that only 23 IAS and police officers had been transferred in West Bengal.
Court Seeks Full Documentation Before Pronouncing Verdict
After hearing both sides, the bench decided not to issue an immediate order and instead asked the Election Commission to furnish all official documents linked to the transfers.
The court is expected to pronounce its verdict after March 30 once the submitted material is examined.
Mamata Banerjee Criticises Large-Scale Transfers
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee renewed her criticism of the Election Commission’s actions and said repeated large-scale reshuffles were disrupting the smooth functioning of administration in the state.
She argued that moving officers in bulk during a sensitive administrative period was creating operational hurdles for governance.
The transfer issue has emerged as a major flashpoint between the state government and the Election Commission ahead of elections.
