Kolkata, May 1 -- The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected a TMC plea challenging the Election Commission of India's directive to deploy central government and PSU employees for vote counting in the West Bengal Assembly polls.

The Court upheld the validity of the decision requiring Central Govt/PSU employees to count as supervisors/assistants, and the writ petition was dismissed.

HC, in its observations, held that such appointments are within ECI's discretion and not illegal. The Court rejected apprehension that Central Govt. staff would act under political influence. Allegations were mere apprehensions without evidence.

Any grievance can be raised via an election petition (Section 100, RP Act, 1951), the court observed.

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