Calcutta HC directs EC to act tough on flouting of COVID-19 norms during WB poll campaign

In a key development, Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed strict implementation of COVID-19 guidelines during West Bengal election campaign. A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice Arijit Banerjee was hearing two pleas that expressed concern that n-adherence of COVID-19 protocol during ongoing poll campaign might cause a serious spike in vel coronavirus cases in state. While ackwledging measures taken by Election Commission at polling booths, bench stressed that poll body needs to take stringent measures against persons who flout guidelines to curb COVID-19 spread. matter will w be heard on April 19.

Here are HC's directions:

• Wearing of masks has to be mandatory at all garings
• Sanitizers must be made available liberally
• Social distancing rms must be followed at all garings
• administration should do its best to ensure that re are public congregations
• Spread public awareness
• Members of all political parties and poll candidates who hold meetings for campaigning purpose should ensure that persons present at every garing wear masks and maintain social distancing rms
• District Magistrates and WB Chief Electoral Officer will be personally responsible for ensuring that guidelines are followed by everyone
• administration can invoke provisions of Section 144 to enforce social distancing to avert possible galloping rise in COVID-19 cases
• WB CEO is empowered to issue furr guidelines to check spread of COVID-19
• WB CEO will fill an affidavit listing measures taken for implementation of vel coronavirus guidelines for holding a safe election

West Bengal Assembly polls

HC's directions assume significance on a day when WB recorded its highest single-day spike of 4,817 vel coronavirus cases pushing tally to 6,24,224. Moreover, death count also rose to 10,434 after 20 fresh fatalities were registered in state. voter turut for seats that went to polls in first, second, third and fourth phases was 84.63 per cent, 86.11 per cent, 84.61 per cent and 79.90 per cent respectively. polling for remaining phases will take place on April 17, April 22, April 26 and April 29. Meanwhile, election results will be declared on May 2.