EC circular not contrary to rules: Big SC setback for TMC before Bengal results

The Supreme Court has upheld the Election Commission of India's circular on deploying central government staff as counting supervisors, stating it is "not contrary to rules." The court observed that the Election Commission can choose counting personnel from only one pool, which is the central government. The bench also reassured the Trinamool Congress that party agents will remain part of the process during vote counting. The court declined to pass further directions, stating the circular will be implemented in letter and spirit.