Bengal Officials Challenge Premature Suspension Order Over Voter Roll Discrepancies

The Bengal administration has pushed back against the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) order to suspend officials over alleged irregularities in voter rolls. They argue that disciplinary action before the completion of the inquiry is premature and could unfairly penalize diligent officers.

Concerns Raised Over Impact on Morale

In a letter to the ECI, the Bengal administration expressed concern that the “premature and harsh” action could demoralize officials, particularly those who consistently demonstrate sincerity and competence. They emphasize the importance of allowing the inquiry to run its course before taking such drastic measures.

Administration Argues for Due Process

The administration’s argument centers on the principle of due process. They believe that suspending officials before a full investigation and a chance for them to respond is unfair and could negatively impact the morale of the entire administrative workforce. They maintain that the ECI should wait for the inquiry’s findings before making any decisions about disciplinary actions.