PIL filed in Supreme Court seeking removal of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma as Bengal poll observer

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the removal of Ajay Pal Sharma, a UP-cadre IPS officer serving as a Election Observer in West Bengal assembly election, as per ANI news agency report.The petitioner e-filed the petition on Tuesday, under Article 32 of the Constitution, alleges that Sharma has compromised the neutrality expected of Election Commission observers.The plea claims that since his posting in the South 24 Parganas, Sharma has engaged in "acts of intimidation" and "undue influence" and he is particularly targeting political candidates.The plea also argues that such conduct undermines the level playing field required for free and fair elections and erodes public confidence in the electoral process.Describing Sharma as an “encounter specialist” often dubbed the “Singham of UP,” the petitioner contends that his actions has abandoned the neutrality required for an Election Commission (ECI) observer.The petitioner has urged the apex court to intervene and issue directions to safeguard the integrity of the polls.It also cites provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandate observers to independently monitor elections and ensure adherence to democratic norms.The development comes as West Bengal prepares for the second and final phase of voting on April 29 across 142 constituencies, the first phase recorded 93.2% voter turnout. The results will be declared on May 4.