HC stays ECI observer's 'blanket' action against 'troublemakers' in West Bengal

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday gave an interim stay on direction of the Election Commission's Police Observer, who had given a "blanket direction" to treat certain citizens as "trouble-makers".

The HC stated that it was of the "prima facie" view that the Police Observer has "erred". However, the HC observed that the authorities can proceed to detain people, in accordance with the relevant detention laws.

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Fearing that nearly 800 Trinamool workers and leaders may be arrested after their names were reportedly identified on the ECI's directions, a PIL was filed on Monday before the HC seeking its intervention.

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After hearing, the order has been kept reserved. The Election Commission's Police Observer had directed the DGP of West Bengal on Wednesday to ensure all possible "preventive" measures against 800 individuals, who have been found "actively involved in intimidating voters and creating disturbance in the electoral process in their respective assembly constituencies".