A new confrontation appears to be brewing between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal government over how the suspension of electoral officials accused of breaching poll guidelines should be interpreted during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls.
The state administration has maintained that suspension, as articulated by the Chief Minister, only entails relieving the officials concerned of election-related responsibilities, allowing them to continue in other administrative roles under the state government.
However, officials familiar with the position of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal have indicated that the ECI’s directive leaves little room for such an interpretation.
According to them, the ECI has made it clear that suspension implies a complete removal from all administrative duties, not merely electoral assignments.
An official from the CEO’s office pointed out that the commission has also instructed the state to begin departmental proceedings against the officers found at fault.
“The question arises as to how an impartial departmental inquiry can be conducted if the officers continue to hold administrative posts,” the official said.
The source added that the ECI is closely monitoring whether the state government follows through with disciplinary action.
“The state is required to submit a compliance report confirming the initiation of departmental inquiries. If such a report is not received within a reasonable timeframe, the commission will consider further steps,” the official noted.
Once the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect ahead of the Assembly elections due later this year, the ECI would be empowered to initiate penal action under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.
At present, the ECI has placed two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), nine Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), one data entry operator, and three micro-observers under suspension.
While the micro-observers are Central government employees, the remaining officials belong to the state government cadre.