Kolkata/IBNS, March 31 -- The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s large-scale transfer of IPS and IAS officers in West Bengal following the announcement of Assembly elections.

Chief Justice Sujoy Paul noted that the plea clearly recognised the Commission's power to transfer officers to ensure free and fair elections, leaving no scope to dispute its authority.

The bench further held that it cannot question the "administrative wisdom" of the ECI unless there is clear evidence of arbitrariness, mala fide intent, or violation of statutory provisions.

Terming the allegations of mala fide as "unsubstantial", the court rejected the state government's ...