Plea in SC seeks removal of IPS officer posted in state police observer
The Statesman | 30 April 2026
The Supreme Court has been moved seeking the removal of Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma from his role as election observer in the West Bengal Assembly polls, alleging lack of neutrality in the discharge of his duties.
The petition, filed by one Aditya Das, raises concerns over Sharma’s conduct during the ongoing election process and contends that his actions undermine the requirement of impartiality expected from an election observer. The matter is yet to be listed for hearing before the top court.
The petition refers to a recent controversy involving the officer, pointing to a video circulating on social media in which Sharma is seen issuing a warning to Trinamul Congress (TMC) candidate Jehangir Khan.
According to the petitioner, such conduct casts doubt on the officer’s neutrality and is inconsistent with the standards expected of officials overseeing the electoral process. The plea seeks appropriate directions for his removal to ensure the free and fair conduct of elections.
The development comes on a day when the second and final phase of polling in West Bengal was underway.