The Supreme Court of India has declined to interfere with the Election Commission of India decision to appoint only central government employees as counting supervisors. A bench comprising Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed that the Commission’s guidelines must be strictly followed. The ruling comes as a setback for the Trinamool Congress, which had challenged the move.

During the hearing, Justice Bagchi observed that the choice of officials rests with the Election Commission. He noted that every counting table already has agents, supervisors, and observers, and questioned concerns over the presence of central government employees. Counsel for the Commission clarified that returning officers are state government employees and are responsible for appointing other officials. On the issue of transparency, senior advocate Kapil Sibal urged for preservation of CCTV footage. The Commission informed the court that such footage will be stored for 45 days.

In its final order, the Supreme Court reiterated that the Election Commission’s circular must be implemented in letter and spirit.