KOLKATA: In a significant setback for the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee, the Calcutta High Court has refused to intervene in a case challenging the appointment of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma as an election observer.
The petition alleged that Sharma, an UP-cadre officer, violated the Model Code of Conduct through his actions during the ongoing election process in West Bengal. However, the Court made it clear that it would not interfere in the matter at this stage.
Justice Krishna Rao observed that no immediate judicial intervention was warranted and stated that the issue would be taken up after April 29. Until then, Sharma’s role as observer remains unaffected, effectively allowing the election process to continue without disruption.
“What Will We Do?”: Court’s Remark During Hearing
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday declined to pass urgent orders on a plea alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by IPS Officer Ajay Pal Sharma, who is a police observer in the ongoing West Bengal Assembly Elections.
Justice Krishna Rao said the Court would not pass any direction against any officer on the Election Day till April 29, the final phase of polling in West Bengal.
“I am indicating that I will not pass any order with regard to any officer who are in election duty till April 29. Come after April 29, I will pass order,” the Court said.
When the counsel for the petitioner said the officer was threatening voters, the Court asked him to approach the Election Commission of India (ECI).
चुनाव आयोग के पर्यवेक्षक अजय पाल शर्मा जब जहांगीर खान के घर पहुँचे तो देखा कि उसके घर पर पश्चिम बंगाल पुलिस के 14 सिपाही तैनात हैं
ममता बनर्जी ने एक गुंडे को Y-सिक्योरिटी दे रखी है
pic.twitter.com/77PhA9OZH0— ANUPAM MISHRA (@scribe9104) April 28, 2026
“What can be done? What will we do?” the Court said.
Viral Video and Political Uproar
In a video that went viral on social media, the officer, also known as Uttar Pradesh’s encounter specialist, was seen issuing a warning to Falta Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jehangir Khan.
TMC took strong objection to the officer’s conduct and criticised the ECI for failing to act against the officer.
IPS Ajay Pal Sharma (UP cadre, EC-appointed police observer for South 24 Parganas) visited Falta after complaints that TMC candidate Jehangir Khan’s men were intimidating voters and collecting voter IDs. He warned Khan’s family and relatives to stop or face strict legal action as per law — “don’t cry later.”
Opposition Leaders Amplify Criticism
There were several social media posts made by Trinamool Congress leaders such as Sagarika Ghose, Mahua Moitra and Abhishek Banerjee, and also by other political figures such as Akhilesh Yadav and Yogendra Yadav, alleging that Dr Ajay Pal Sharma was overstepping his boundaries.
The official handle of the Trinamool Congress posted: “…Uttar Pradesh’s notorious ‘Singham’ and Yogi Adityanath’s favourite ‘encounter specialist’, Ajay Pal, has been appointed as the police observer for South 24 Parganas by the Election Commission….”
They even moved to the High Court, where the Court refused to entertain their petition against the IPS officer.
BJP Backs Officer, Calls It Free and Fair Push
But not every party has a problem with the deployment and demeanour of Ajay Pal Sharma.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal unit publicly backed the officer.
Ajay Pal Sharma, the encounter specialist and Singham of UP police, is deployed as police observer of South 24 Parganas. He just read the riot act to Bhaipo’s henchman Jehangir Khan’s family members.
Nobody can stop this election from being the most free and fair election in 50… pic.twitter.com/p3WOLLXL6d
— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) April 27, 2026
Ajay Pal Sharma, the encounter specialist and “Singham” of UP Police, has been deployed as Police Observer in South 24 Parganas.
He wasted no time in setting the tone, firmly reading the riot act to the family members of Abhishek Banerjee’s close aide, Jehangir Khan.
The… pic.twitter.com/N5sYcDdJCG
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 27, 2026
In a social media post, BJP West Bengal stated: “Ajay Pal Sharma, the encounter specialist and Singham of UP police, is deployed as police observer of South 24 Parganas. He just read the riot act to Bhaipo’s henchman Jehangir Khan’s family members. Nobody can stop this election from being the most free and fair election in 50 years and anyone who dares to act over smart will be taught a lesson.”
Petition Details and Court Proceedings
The counsel appearing for the petitioner sought action against Sharma and mentioned the matter for urgent listing.
The Court was told that the ECI had failed to stop him from acting beyond his limits.
“There are evidence showing that he has gone to house of a candidate and has threatened the driver in absence of the candidate. He is continuously threatening,” the counsel said.
However, the Court questioned what could be done at this stage, just hours before pol
“He is acting in a manner as if he is taking charge of election.”
The Court directed listing at 3 PM, but the matter was not ready. When the counsel again pressed for urgent hearing, saying: “It is extremely urgent circumstances. Kindly restrain the officer,” the Court reiterated that it would not pass any order against any officer at this stage.
What the Election Commission Did
A report claims that the ECI has effectively given IPS Ajay Pal Sharma full operational license for voting day on April 29.
According to the report, Falta’s Joint BDO Sourav Hazra has been shifted to Purulia headquarters over reported non-cooperation with Sharma. Ramya Bhattacharya has taken charge in Falta, Jehangir Khan’s turf.
(Post Election Commission’s letter here.)
The influence of Jahangir Khan ran so deep that even the BDO refused to assist IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma during his visits. Now, he has been transferred. This is the kind of system that has taken root under Trinamool Congress over its 15 year rule. pic.twitter.com/xxvGadNXBx
— Oxomiya Jiyori 🇮🇳 (@SouleFacts) April 28, 2026
The developments are being seen as a clear message from the ECI that non-cooperation will not be tolerated and obstruction will be dealt with firmly.
Public Reaction: Polarised Narrative
Most of those supporting the officer’s conduct said he was being targeted for cracking down on voter intimidation allegedly carried out by TMC cadres.
Several posts claimed that Ajay Pal Sharma was simply doing his duty and ensuring free and fair elections, with some even comparing Jehangir Khan to notorious figures associated with election-related violence.
