EC seeks explanation from West Bengal govt over ‘procedural lapse’ in disciplinary action against poll officials | India News

NEW DELHI: Taking exception to the West Bengal govt’s decision to unilaterally exonerate Baruipur Purba assembly constituency (AC) assistant electoral registration officer (AERO) Tathagata Mondal and impose only a minor penalty against Moyna AC AERO Sudipta Das — despite clear instructions by the Election Commission dated August 5, 2025 to suspend and initiate disciplinary proceedings against them — the EC on Wednesday asked the state chief secretary to get the competent authority to submit to the commission, a written explanation for the “procedural lapse”.The explanation — sought by 5 pm on Jan 24 — must detail the circumstances that led to non-compliance with the Commission’s instructions, which had mandated that disciplinary authorities shall consult EC before closing or finalising any matter arising out of disciplinary proceedings initiated on the poll panel’s recommendation. “Since the disciplinary proceedings have been finalised without adherence to the prescribed procedure and without mandatory consultation with the Commission, the Commission does not accept such finalisation of disciplinary action. Accordingly, the same shall be treated as procedurally irregular and non est in the eyes of the Commission, warranting reconsideration,” EC said in its letter sent to the state chief secretary on Wednesday.As part of the explanation sought by EC, the competent authority has been asked to furnish the complete disciplinary case records, including the articles of charge, written statements of defence, inquiry reports, findings of the inquiry authority, orders of the disciplinary authority, file noting and all other relevant records forming the basis of the disciplinary action taken, in respect of all the four officials namely Tathagata Mondal, Debottam Dutta Choudhury, Biplab Sarkar and Sudipta Das.The commission had directed the state govt to suspend and initiate suitable disciplinary proceedings against the concerned EROs/AEROs and lodge of FIRs against the erring officials, including the contractual data entry operator, under section 32 o f the RP Act, 1950, read with the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Information Technology Act, 2000. Sources said they were allegedly disposing of applications for inclusion in the electoral roll without proper verification or allowing a window for claims and objections.