Sabedul Islam v. The Secretary Of West Belga Election Commission And ORS

01 (JPG) 27.07.2023 d.p.

Calcutta High Court In the Circuit Bench at Jalpaiguri Appellate Jurisdiction W.P.A 1563 of 2023 Sabedul Islam -versus The Secretary of West Bengal Election Commission & Ors.

Mr. Jagabandhu Roy, Mr. Anindya Ghosh.

...For the Petitioner.

Mr. Sayan Datta, ...For the Election Commission.

Mr. Amal Kumar Sen Mr. Jaladhi Das.

...For the State.

The petitioner contested the Panchayat General Elections, 2023.

Allegation is that the number of ballot papers found in the ballot box is less than the number of votes counted.

It has been submitted that 185 ballot papers are missing.

Complaint was lodged before the Panchayat Returning Officer but the same is yet to be considered and disposed of.

Panchayat Returning Officer and the Block Development Officer, Dinhata-I Development Block has forwarded a report signed on 26th July, 2023.

Let a copy of the report be served upon the learned advocate appearing for the petitioner. It appears therefrom that the manner in which the ballot papers were counted is mentioned therein. In view of the above, no relief can be granted to the petitioner in the instant case.

It will be open for the petitioner to approach the appropriate forum by way of election petition for redressal of his grievances, if so advised.

The writ petition stands dismissed.

Urgent certified photocopy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties expeditiously on compliance of usual legal formalities.

(Amrita Sinha, J.)