Overview
- The order followed a PIL by BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya alleging poor amenities at many booths and claiming the state PSU Mackintosh Burn Limited sought to pull out after partial work.
- The division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen asked the Election Commission of India and the state to file written reports within a week, with no interim directions issued.
- The court observed that assessing and ensuring polling-station infrastructure lies within the ECI’s remit, with execution carried out through state agencies.
- Indian Express reported that MBL had been tasked in July for Assured Minimum Facilities, later cited “practical considerations” in a withdrawal request, and was warned by the CEO that EC could consider criminal proceedings against its directors.
- ECI guidelines require electricity, drinking water, ramps and toilets at every polling station, with the court noting time sensitivity as Assembly elections approach in the coming months.