West Bengal polls: PIL in SC seeks removal of UP IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma as election observer

The petitioner, Aditya Das, has alleged that the officer is biased and has intimidated political candidates. The plea argues that such conduct goes against the role of an observer, which is meant to ensure free and fair elections.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 29 April 2026, 12:06 PM IST

PIL in SC seeks removal of UP IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma

New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India questioning the decision of the Election Commission of India to appoint Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma as an election observer for the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Allegations On IPS

The petitioner, Aditya Das, has alleged that the officer is biased and has intimidated political candidates. The plea argues that such conduct goes against the role of an observer, which is meant to ensure free and fair elections.

Citing Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the petition highlights that observers are expected to act as neutral authorities who oversee the election process and maintain public confidence. It claims that Sharma’s actions do not align with these responsibilities.

The petition asks the court to cancel his appointment and to ensure that election observers function independently and impartially.

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The controversy follows recent social media posts by the BJP’s West Bengal unit, which described Sharma as a tough officer deployed in South 24 Parganas. Videos circulating online allegedly show him warning individuals linked to a Trinamool Congress candidate, further fueling political criticism.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court has already declined to hear a similar challenge, stating that it cannot interfere while the election process is ongoing.