The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken the Election Commission of India (ECI) to the Calcutta High Court, challenging a directive that mandates political parties to disclose the names, photographs, and mobile numbers of their Booth Level Agents (BLAs). The petition was filed by Subhasish Chakraborty, a Member of Parliament and a senior TMC leader, who argues that the directive is arbitrary and unconstitutional.

The ECI’s communication, dated June 5, 2025, directed all recognized political parties to provide these details using a revised BLA-2 form. The directive was subsequently forwarded by the Additional Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, on June 9, 2025, with deadlines set for compliance reports.

Grounds for Legal Challenge

The writ petition asserts that the ECI’s directive lacks a clear statutory basis, as the role of BLAs is not defined in any law or rule. It contends that the directive is an unconstitutional administrative overreach that infringes on fundamental rights, including the right to equality and freedom of association, as guaranteed by Articles 14 and 19(1)(c) of the Constitution. The petitioner’s lawyer, Arka Nag, argued that the directive also violates the

Representation of the People Act

The petition further claims that the mandatory disclosure of BLA details undermines the right to privacy under Article 21 and could expose volunteers to threats and intimidation, especially in politically sensitive areas. It argues that the premature release of such information could compromise a party’s electoral strategy and the confidentiality of its organization.

Calcutta High Court’s Initial Response

During the hearing, the TMC’s legal team requested an urgent hearing, but Justice Amrita Sinha did not grant the request. Justice Sinha questioned the basis for the objection, stating, “What’s the problem? There is nothing to hide here, and this has not been asked of just one political party. It has been asked of everyone.” The TMC’s lawyer, however, maintained that their party was protesting the directive despite other political parties potentially not having an issue with it.

The petition seeks to have the ECI’s directive and all related communications quashed. It also requests a writ of mandamus to prevent authorities from taking any coercive action against the party for non-compliance.

Precedent of Court Intervention

This legal challenge is not an isolated incident in West Bengal. Previously, teachers had approached the High Court to oppose their appointment as Booth Level Officers (BLOs). While the court did not interfere with the ECI’s decision, it did instruct that teachers should be given work on holidays.

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