In a significant administrative move, West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal has reached out to the State’s Chief Secretary regarding the swift formation of an Election Tribunal. The letter emphasizes the need for a dedicated legal body to address the growing number of election petitions and complaints arising from the recent polls. As per constitutional mandates, an Election Tribunal is essential for the adjudication of disputes related to electoral malpractices and counting irregularities.

According to reliable sources, Manoj Kumar Agarwal’s communication outlines the necessity of setting up the tribunal to ensure that no election petition remains pending for an indefinite period. The CEO has requested the state administration to finalize the logistics, including office space and necessary personnel, to facilitate the functioning of the tribunal, which is typically presided over by judges of the High Court.

This proactive approach by the CEO’s office is being seen as an attempt to streamline the legal aftermath of the high-stakes elections in West Bengal. By pushing for a functional tribunal, the commission aims to provide a transparent and time-bound resolution to the grievances filed by various political candidates. The ball is now in the court of the State Secretariat (Nabanna) to respond to the CEO’s directive and set the judicial process in motion.