Calcutta High Court sets aside appointment of assistant professors as presiding officers for West Bengal assembly polls
The Facts
- The Calcutta High Court set aside the appointment of some assistant professors as presiding officers for the West Bengal assembly elections.
- The petition was filed by members of the West Bengal Government College Teachers' Association challenging their appointment as presiding officers.
- The court's order was issued by Justice Krishna Rao.
- The court held that the appointments violated an Election Commission circular dated February 16, 2010.
- The court said authorities failed to produce documents showing unavoidable circumstances or other justification for appointing the assistant professors as presiding officers.
- The appointments were for West Bengal's two-phase assembly polls scheduled on April 23 and 29.
Context
Why did the High Court strike down these appointments?
The court said the appointments of assistant professors as presiding officers violated an Election Commission circular from February 16, 2010, and that authorities did not provide documents showing unavoidable circumstances that would justify the move ThePrint,Economic Times,Telegraph,Tribune.
Who challenged the appointments?
The challenge came from petitioners belonging to the West Bengal Government College Teachers' Association, who objected to being assigned as presiding officers at polling booths ETV Bharat News,Hindu,Tribune,NewsDrum.
What did the Election Commission argue in response?
According to one report, the Election Commission argued that it needed presiding officers for around 90,000 polling booths across Bengal and had no option but to include college teachers Telegraph.
How left and right read it
The Calcutta High Court’s decision underscores that public institutions, especially around elections, have to follow their own rules rather than treat professional educators as a convenient staffing pool. Justice Krishna Rao found these assistant professor appointments violated the Election Commission’s February 16, 2010 circular, and authorities could not produce documents showing unavoidable circumstances before the April 23 and 29 polls.
Justice Krishna Rao’s order is a reminder that election administration depends on clear rules being followed, not ad hoc decisions that officials cannot properly justify. By setting aside the appointment of some assistant professors as presiding officers after authorities failed to produce supporting documents, the court reinforced the Election Commission’s February 16, 2010 circular ahead of the April 23 and 29 voting.
The receipts — all 9 sources
Wire services (1)
Independent coverage (8)
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