ECI Challenges West Bengal's Disciplinary Actions Against Election Officials

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has formally opposed disciplinary actions undertaken against four election officials in West Bengal, stating that the state authorities failed to consult the commission before deciding on the move.

In a communication addressed to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the ECI classified the disciplinary action as 'procedurally irregular', urging for reconsideration. The state government had directed the suspension and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), further instructing the filing of FIRs under Section 32 of the RP Act, 1950, and related laws.

The commission's guidelines require mandatory consultation with the ECI before finalizing any disciplinary actions stemming from their recommendations. The ECI also requested detailed case records associated with the actions, emphasizing that this procedural oversight requires a written explanation from the responsible authority.