KMC Polls Hit Hurdle: WB Govt to Move Supreme Court After HC Stay
West Bengal government will move the Supreme Court after Calcutta HC stayed the KMC poll notification over ward delimitation disputes.
The battle for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is moving from the streets to the highest courts of the land. The West Bengal government has announced its intention to approach the Supreme Court after the Calcutta High Court issued an interim order staying the notification for the KMC elections.
High Court Halts Election Process
The legal deadlock began when a vacation division bench of the Calcutta High Court, consisting of Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya and Justice Arjun Roy Mukherjee, stepped in to restrain the State Election Commission (SEC). The court has explicitly directed the SEC not to issue any notifications regarding the municipal elections until the pending legal disputes are fully resolved.
This judicial intervention comes at a critical juncture, effectively pausing the democratic process for the city's primary civic body.
The Core of the Conflict: Ward Delimitation
The primary catalyst for this legal battle is the controversial fresh delimitation of wards within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The West Bengal government had decided to significantly increase the number of wards, expanding them from 144 to 209 ahead of the upcoming polls.
This move was challenged in court, with petitions arguing against the increase. Adding to the tension, the West Bengal Congress had previously written to the State's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), pointing out alleged irregularities in how the new ward boundaries were drawn and seeking immediate corrections.
Government's Strong Response
Reacting to the High Court's decision, Suvendu Adhikari stated that the government would not let the stay stand and would seek relief from the Supreme Court. He outlined a specific timeline for his next steps, noting that he would wait until November 13 before appointing coordinators for all 209 wards.
Adhikari did not hold back in his criticism of those who moved the court, suggesting that legal challenges are a refuge for those afraid of the ballot box.
"Those who are destined to lose the election go to court, while those who are set to win focus on election preparations," Adhikari remarked, asserting that his team is fully prepared and confident of a victory.
What Happens Next?
- Supreme Court Appeal: The state government is expected to file a petition to overturn the Calcutta High Court's interim stay.
- Delimitation Review: The court must eventually decide if the increase to 209 wards is legally sound or if it contains irregularities as alleged by the opposition.
- SEC Status: The State Election Commission remains barred from issuing any poll-related notifications until the legal cloud is cleared.