The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a petition seeking the continued deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in West Bengal to curb post-election violence following the 2026 Assembly elections. The counsel representing the Election Commission argued that the poll panel's mandate concludes once the electoral process is over.
Background of the Plea
The plea, filed by a civil society group, sought directions to retain CAPF units in sensitive areas of West Bengal to prevent any potential outbreak of violence after the election results. The petitioners highlighted previous instances of post-poll unrest in the state and argued that the presence of central forces was necessary to maintain law and order.
Election Commission's Stand
During the hearing, the Election Commission's legal representative submitted that the commission has no authority to retain forces after the completion of the election process. The counsel emphasized that the deployment of CAPF is strictly linked to the election period, and once the polls conclude, the responsibility of maintaining law and order reverts to the state government.
Supreme Court's Decision
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh declined to list the matter for urgent hearing, stating that the court would consider it in due course. The court observed that the plea raises important questions but did not find grounds for an immediate intervention at this stage.
Implications for Post-Poll Security
The decision leaves the state government solely responsible for security arrangements after the elections. Critics argue that this could lead to a repeat of past violence, while supporters of the decision maintain that law and order is a state subject and central forces cannot be deployed indefinitely.
The West Bengal Assembly elections, held in phases, concluded recently with results expected shortly. The state has witnessed sporadic violence during and after previous elections, prompting demands for continued central force presence.
