SC rules central govt employees can stay as counting staff, setback for TMC

In a setback for the Trinamool Congress, the Supreme Court on Saturday refused to pass any order on the Election Commission’s decision to appoint only central government and Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees as counting supervisors and assistants for vote counting on May 4.

The apex court observed that no further directions were required beyond recording the Election Commission’s counsel’s statement that the circular would be implemented in letter and spirit.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) said it is adhering to its April 13 circular, explaining that the system ensures a reciprocal arrangement: if the counting supervisor is from the central government, the counting agent is drawn from the state government, thereby guaranteeing that at least one official represents the state.