Mohit Sengupta v. West Bengal State Election Commission And ORS

23.06.2023 Sl. No.3 PG/ KS Ct.1 W.P.A.(P) 305 of 2023 Mohit Sengupta

Versus

The West Bengal State Election Commission & Ors. Mr. Koustav Bagchi Mr. Debayan Ghosh Ms. Priti Kar .....For the Petitioner Ms. Sonal Sinha Mr. Sujit Gupta Mr. Sayan Dutta Mr. Soumen Chatterjee .....For the State Election Commission Mr. Amitesh Banerjee, Sr. Standing Counsel Ms. Ipsita Banerjee .....For the State

1. By this writ petition, filed as a public interest litigation, the petitioner would state that in a particular block namely Chopra block in the district of Uttar Dinajpur, several persons have been prevented from filing their nominations. The petitioner alleges that none of the political parties, who are stated to be the opposition parties to the ruling party in the State of West Bengal were able to file their nominations. In this regard, a complaint was lodged before the Chopra Police Station and an F.I.R. has been registered in Chopra Police Station Case No.504 of 2023.

2. Since the allegation appears to be little serious, we direct the West Bengal State Election Commission namely, the 1st respondent to immediately look into the grievance without any loss of time and examine as to whether people have been prevented from filing their nominations since it is alleged that in the Chopra block, none of the proposed candidates, who are stated to be members of the opposition parties were prevented from filing the nominations.

3. The West Bengal State Election Commission shall examine the matter and take a decision not later than 25th June, 2023.

4. With the above directions, the writ petition is disposed of.

5. No costs.

6. Urgent photostat certified copy of this order, if applied for, be furnished to the parties expeditiously upon compliance of all legal formalities.

(T. S. SIVAGNANAM) CHIEF JUSTICE (AJAY KUMAR GUPTA, J.)