Cal HC upholds Bengal EC transfers

• Calcutta HC rejected a petition challenging officer transfers by the Election Commission.
• The EC moved several key officials, including the state's top secretary and police chief.
• West Bengal assembly elections are scheduled for April 23rd and 29th, with vote counting on May 4th.

Kolkata, Mar 31 (PTI) The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday dismissed a PIL challenging the transfer of administrative and police service officers by the Election Commission in poll-bound West Bengal.

The

EC transferred several officers, including the state's chief secretary, the home secretary and the DGP, immediately after the announcement of the assembly election schedule for the state.

Claiming that these large-scale transfers would affect the running of the state's administration, the petitioner prayed that such orders by the poll panel be set aside.

A division bench presided by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul dismissed the petition.

The elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases - on April 23 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 4. PTI AMR BDC