In Brief
The Bharatiya Janata Party sought a writ of mandamus to direct the West Bengal State Election Commission to issue nomination forms for panchayat elections, provide online submission facilities, and deploy paramilitary forces for protection. The party alleged that its candidates faced violent resistance while attempting to collect and file nominations. The Court declined to interfere with the election process once set in motion, holding that the State Election Commissioner is the appropriate authority to consider and redress election-related grievances. The Court granted all political parties and candidates liberty to approach the Election Commissioner with grievances, which the Commissioner must address in accordance with law.
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