SC refuses to intervene in EC order on central govt employees as counting supervisors

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has refused to interfere with the Election Commission of India decision to appoint only central government employees as counting supervisors, dealing a setback to the Trinamool Congress which had challenged the move.

A bench of Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed that the Commission’s guidelines be followed strictly. The court observed that the selection of officials falls within the Commission’s domain and raised no objection to the presence of central government personnel at counting tables.

During the hearing, Justice Bagchi noted that each counting table is already monitored by agents, supervisors, and observers. The Commission’s counsel clarified that returning officers are state government employees who oversee appointments of other officials.

On transparency concerns, senior advocate Kapil Sibal sought preservation of CCTV footage. The Commission informed the court that such recordings will be retained for 45 days.

In its order, the apex court reiterated that the Commission’s circular must be implemented in letter and spirit.