New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court of India seeking the immediate removal of Ajay Pal Sharma, a senior Uttar Pradesh-cadre IPS officer, from his role as Police Observer in West Bengal. The petition has emerged amid heightened political tensions in the state’s ongoing electoral process.

The writ petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, was e-filed late on Tuesday night (Diary No. EC-SCIN01-21815-2026). Article 32 allows citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights, including the right to a free and fair election.

The petitioner has argued that the matter directly concerns the protection of democratic rights and the integrity of the 2026 Assembly Elections.

Allegations of bias and intimidation

According to the plea, Ajay Pal Sharma, who is widely known as the “Singham of UP” due to his background as an encounter specialist, has allegedly failed to maintain the neutrality expected of an Election Commission-appointed observer.

It is claimed that since taking charge in South 24 Parganas, Sharma has been involved in acts described as “intimidation” and “undue influence”, with specific reference to targeting political candidates.

The petition further alleges that his continued presence is “vitiating the electoral environment” and weakening public confidence in the fairness of the election process.

Concerns over electoral neutrality

The plea also states that there have been multiple instances of alleged intimidation, bias and undue influence, which it argues disrupt the level playing field required during elections.

It contends that such actions undermine the core purpose of appointing observers, who are expected to function as neutral constitutional authorities tasked with safeguarding electoral integrity.

Referring to provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the petition highlights that election observers are appointed to independently monitor the electoral process and ensure compliance with democratic norms.

It argues that any deviation from this constitutional responsibility weakens public trust in the system and affects the credibility of the electoral process.

Relief sought from the Supreme Court

The petitioner has urged the Supreme Court to take cognisance of the matter and issue appropriate directions to ensure the fairness of the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections. The plea stresses the need to protect the sanctity of the electoral process through immediate judicial intervention.

Agency inputs