Supreme Court allows UP rural polls counting after EC's assurance

The court raised concern over the rising Covid cases and a petition that was filed by a teacher's body, according to which, 700 teachers had lost their lives while they were on duty during the four-phased elections.

The Supreme Court on Saturday allowed the Election Commission (EC) of Uttar Pradesh to hold counting of votes on Sunday for the rural polls. However, the court raised concern over the rising Covid cases and a petition that was filed by a teacher's body, according to which, 700 teachers had lost their lives while they were on duty during the four-phased elections.

The state EC said that a curfew will be imposed near the counting centres and senior officials will ensure that all Covid protocols are followed. The state EC also assured the court that no victory processions will be allowed in the state once results are announced.

During the hearing the court asked the EC that despite the Covid situation why did it want to go ahead with the elections. The court also suggested conducting the counting after two weeks so that the medical facilities could be improved. "You want to proceed despite all odds? Heavens will not fall if counting is deferred by three weeks," the Apex court said in a sharp remark.

The court further asked the EC that the Teachers' association had filed a petition according to which they were unwilling to work, then how were they planning to handle the situation. However, the EC replied that they will go ahead with their decision. Senior Advocate and Additional Solicitor General Aishwaya Bhati, representing the state EC, told the court that there will be a cap of 75 persons at each counting centre and there are a total of 829 counting centres.

The Supreme Court said if something goes wrong, senior officials on duty will be held accountable for it. Opposition leaders have criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led government for the deaths of teachers who were appointed for poll duty, one of whom was a pregnant lady.