Archive · 29 Jan 2026
ECI Orders Bengal to Revoke IAS Transfers
The Election Commission of India (ECI) told the West Bengal government to cancel the transfer orders of three IAS officers who were working as electoral roll observers.
The ECI said that the government should ask the ECI before transferring these officers in the future.
The state government had given these officers additional responsibilities, but the ECI said this was not allowed during the ongoing SIR process.
The ECI also asked the government to take similar action against a suspended data entry operator.
The state government has not yet filed a case against the officers.
The ECI's stance was aimed at protecting other officers from the state cadre to discharge their duties without fear.
The state government is considering seeking legal opinion before complying with the ECI's directive and may not revoke the transfer orders.
The ECI ordered West Bengal to revoke transfer orders of three IAS officers deputed as electoral roll observers.
The officers involved are Smita Pandey, Asvini Kumar Yadav, and Randhir Kumar.
The ECI requested prior concurrence for future transfer orders of these officers.
The state government had given the officers additional responsibilities, which the ECI deemed inappropriate during the ongoing SIR process.
The ECI also asked the state government to take similar action against suspended data entry operator Surojit Halder.
- Who
- Election Commission of India (ECI) and West Bengal government
- What
- ECI ordered the revocation of transfer orders for three IAS officers
- When
- The order was issued on Tuesday
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- The transfers were deemed to interfere with the ongoing SIR process and were issued without the ECI's concurrence
West Bengal Government
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Transfer of IAS Officers
West Bengal Government
The state government transferred the officers to less important positions, citing their active role in the SIR process.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
The ECI ordered the revocation of these transfers, stating that the officers were on deemed deputation and their transfers required prior concurrence.
Compliance with ECI Directive
West Bengal Government
The state government is considering seeking legal opinion before complying with the ECI's directive and may not revoke the transfer orders.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
The ECI has asked the state to send a compliance report by 3pm on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for prior concurrence for future transfers.
- Officers Involved
- Smita Pandey, Asvini Kumar Yadav, Randhir Kumar
- Action Ordered
- Revocation of transfer orders
- Additional Request
- Prior ECI concurrence for future transfers
- Suspended Individual
- Surojit Halder (Data Entry Operator)
- FIR Status
- Not filed against the officers
- Number of EROs Appointed
- 12 IAS officers
- Districts Affected
- 24 districts in West Bengal, including Calcutta
Sources
EC orders Bengal govt to revoke transfer orders of three IAS officers deputed as electoral roll observers
Election Commission asks Bengal government to revoke transfer of IAS officers appointed as EROs - Telegraph India
CM Mamata Banerjee off to Delhi today for SIR stir: Akhilesh commends her for ‘taking on the BJP’
HC orders state to transfer land for border fence in nine Bengal districts - Telegraph India
Elections commission orders WB to cancel transfers of electoral roll observers, cites rules violation
Only Didi can stop BJP’s onslaught: Akhilesh
Additions, deletions of voters part of electoral roll revision exercise: SC
Amid anti-SIR agitation, Mamata Banerjee defers Delhi trip after Ajit Pawar’s death and Kolkata warehouse fire
Poll Body vs Trinamool To Escalate? 25 Bengal Officers Made Central Observers
ECI Picks Bengal Home Secretary & Top Cops As Poll Observers, Calls Them To Delhi For Briefing
"Additions, Deletions Part Of Electoral Roll Revision Exercise": Top Court
No more extension for filing SIR claims, objections in West Bengal: Supreme Court