Manoranjan Halder v. State Of West Bengal And ORS.
05.07.2023 d.p.
In The High Court At Calcutta Constitutional Writ Jurisdiction Appellate Side W.P.A 15759 of 2023 Manoranjan Halder -versus The State of West Bengal Ors.
Md. Sarwar Jahan, Mr. Maidul Islam Kayal, Mr. Asit Mehedi.
...For the Petitioner.
Mr. Lalit Mohan Mahata, Mr. Rudranil De.
...For the State.
Affidavit-of-service filed in Court today is taken on record.
The instant writ petition was filed by the petitioner alleging that the State Election Commission failed to pass any order on compliance of the direction passed by this Court on 21st June, 2023 in WPA 14362 of 2023.
By the said order, the State Election Commission was directed to take a decision on the representation filed by the petitioner seeking change in the counting venue of the Thakurpukur-Maheshtala Block.
Today learned advocate appearing for the Commission has produced the copy of the order dated 27th June, 2023 passed by the State Election Commissioner wherefrom it appears that the prayer of
the petitioner seeking change in the counting venue has been rejected and Rasapunja P.K. High School has been selected as the most suitable choice for the counting venue for Thakurpukur Maheshtala Block.
The petitioner apprehends that there may be law and order issues if the counting take place at the said venue.
In order to take care of the apprehension that has been voiced by the petitioner, the State Election Commission is directed to act in strict accordance with the direction passed by the Hon'ble PIL Bench of this Court on 4th July, 2023 in WPA(P)/336/2023 (Sangrami Joutha Mancha & Anr. -vs- State of West Bengal & Ors.).
The Commission shall ensure that the law and order is strictly maintained at the time of counting of the votes and enough Central Force as well as State Police Force is available on the spot in the event any law and order issue arises.
The writ petition stands disposed of.
Urgent certified photocopy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties expeditiously on compliance of usual legal formalities.
( Amrita Sinha, J.)