Supreme Court Upholds ECI Decision on Central Govt Staff as Counting Supervisors, TMC Faces Setback

May 2, 2026 : The Supreme Court of India has refused to interfere with the decision of the Election Commission of India to appoint only central government employees as counting supervisors during elections, dealing a setback to the Trinamool Congress.

A Bench comprising Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed that the Commission’s guidelines be followed strictly and in full compliance.

During the hearing, Justice Bagchi emphasized that the selection of officials falls squarely within the domain of the Election Commission. He noted that each counting table is already equipped with agents, supervisors, and observers, and questioned the apprehensions raised regarding the deployment of central government personnel.

Appearing for the Commission, counsel clarified that returning officers continue to be state government employees and are entrusted with appointing the remaining staff involved in the counting process.

On the issue of transparency, senior advocate Kapil Sibal pressed for preservation of CCTV footage from counting centres. The Commission informed the Court that such footage would be retained for a period of 45 days.

In its final order, the Court reiterated that the Election Commission’s circular must be implemented in “letter and spirit,” reinforcing the autonomy of the poll body in conducting elections.