SC hearing: Kapil Sibal Defends EC Circular in SC, Says No Challenge to Election Process

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared before the Supreme Court of India in a case related to a circular issued by the Election Commission of India and concerns raised by the Trinamool Congress regarding election and counting arrangements. He explained that the Election Commission issued the circular after receiving inputs about possible irregularities during polling and counting processes across booths. As part of the measures, the Commission decided to deploy additional central government personnel alongside existing micro observers, polling agents, and supervisors to ensure transparency and fairness. Sibal clarified that micro observers are already appointed by the central government and function as neutral monitoring officials. He added that the petition did not challenge the validity of the circular but sought its proper implementation. The circular dated 13 April 2026 reportedly aims to strengthen safeguards in the electoral process. After hearing the arguments, the Supreme Court observed that there was no need for any specific judicial order, effectively upholding the Election Commission’s authority and approach in implementing the circular.