Elections – Dispute Emerges Over Suspension of Bengal Poll Officers
Elections – A fresh disagreement has surfaced between the Election Commission of India and the West Bengal government following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks regarding seven suspended Assistant Electoral Registration Officers. The Commission is examining whether its suspension order has been properly enforced after the state indicated that the officers would be reassigned to non-electoral duties rather than being kept away from official work altogether.
Commission Questions State’s Interpretation
Officials within the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal said the poll body had not only ordered the suspension of the seven officers but had also instructed the state government to initiate formal departmental proceedings against them. The officers were suspended on allegations of negligence in the discharge of their election-related responsibilities.
According to sources, the Commission is concerned that reassigning the officers to other administrative roles may dilute the intent of the suspension order. The issue, they said, is whether a credible departmental inquiry can proceed if the state leadership treats the suspension as a mere transfer of responsibilities rather than a disciplinary measure.
The Chief Minister had stated earlier that the suspended officials would be utilized in other administrative functions unrelated to elections. However, poll authorities believe such an approach could undermine the seriousness of the Commission’s directive.
Close Monitoring by Poll Panel
Sources in the Chief Electoral Officer’s office confirmed that the Election Commission is closely tracking developments. The Commission plans to review the situation over the next few days and is expected to seek a formal report from the state government detailing the status of the proposed departmental inquiry.
The poll panel’s position reflects its constitutional authority to supervise election-related matters, especially when concerns arise over compliance with its directives. Officials indicated that they would assess whether the state’s response aligns with both the letter and spirit of the suspension order.
Officers Named in Suspension Order
The seven Assistant Electoral Registration Officers named in the Commission’s order include Sefaur Rahaman from the Samserganj Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district and Nitish Das from the Farakka Assembly constituency, also in Murshidabad. Dalia Ray Choudhury, who was posted in the Maynaguri Assembly constituency in Jalpaiguri district, and Murshid Alam from the Suti Assembly constituency in Murshidabad are also among those suspended.
Additionally, Satyajit Das and Joydeep Kundu from the Canning (Purba) Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district have been suspended, along with Debashis Biswas from the Debra Assembly constituency in West Midnapore district.
The Commission had cited dereliction of duty as the basis for its action, although specific details regarding the alleged lapses have not been publicly elaborated.
Legal View on Departmental Inquiry
Legal observers note that the matter could assume greater significance as West Bengal moves closer to its upcoming Assembly elections. Once election dates are officially announced, the Model Code of Conduct comes into immediate effect, placing the state administration under the direct oversight of the Election Commission for election-related functions.
Under such circumstances, experts argue, a formal departmental inquiry into the conduct of the suspended officers may become unavoidable. They suggest that the Commission’s authority would extend to ensuring that disciplinary proceedings are conducted in accordance with established rules.
At the same time, some legal analysts believe that if the inquiry proceeds after the announcement of the election schedule, it could place the state government in a difficult position, particularly if differences over compliance remain unresolved.
Broader Implications Ahead of Polls
The development highlights the delicate balance between state administrations and the Election Commission during the election cycle. As preparations gather pace for the Assembly polls later this year, both sides are expected to clarify their positions in order to avoid further friction.
For now, the Commission appears to be awaiting a detailed explanation from the West Bengal government regarding the steps taken to implement its directives. The outcome may determine how similar disciplinary matters are handled in the run-up to the elections.