On Thursday (22nd April 2022), the Election commission faced censure from the Calcutta High Court over it's handling of the elections in West Bengal during the pandemic.
Noted that on the last hearing, the Calcutta High Court had asked the Chief Election Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer to utilize Government officials and police force as may be necessary to ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 Protocols and guidelines with regard to the measures for implementation of the COVID-19 guidelines during polls.
Earlier this month, the Calcutta High Court had issued directions to the District Magistratesof all districts and Chief Election Officer, West Bengal, to ensure that COVID guidelines for conducting elections are implemented in a strict manner in the wake of rising corona cases in the State.
The Bench includingChief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and Justice Arijit Banerjee pointed that:
"We are unable to reconcile to the fact that the Election Commission of India is not able to update us as to what action by way of enforcement of the circulars has been obtained."
The Court quoted that just by issuing circulars and holding meetings, responsibilities aren't discharged off by theelection commission. If any one violates covid protocols they will be punished.
The country is going through a bad time at present. Failure to comply with proper safety standards can lead to irreversible problems. Hence, authorities should carry out their responsibilities properly.
