The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission of India’s large-scale transfer of IAS and IPS officers following the announcement of elections, refusing to interfere with the Calcutta High Court’s earlier order. The Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi upheld the High Court’s decision dismissing the PIL filed by Advocate Arka Kumar Nag.

Senior Advocate Kalyan Bandhopadhyay, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the transfers were carried out contrary to established rules and without consultation with the State Government, including the unprecedented replacement of the Chief Secretary.

The Court, however, observed that such transfers are routine during election periods across states and declined to intervene, effectively endorsing the Election Commission’s exercise of powers in ensuring neutrality during polls.