HC backs CEO on past experience for surveillance tender | Kolkata News

Kolkata: Upholding the ‘past experience’ criterion by the chief electoral officer (CEO) of Bengal for awarding tender for surveillance systems for live web streaming and CCTVs in counting centres, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday held that courts cannot interfere with terms and conditions of a contract unless there is overwhelming public interest involved.“Considering the variety of the work to be undertaken by the bidder and the uniqueness of the Bengal elections, involving past history of pre-poll and post-poll violence, prescribing a criterion that the bidders who executed similar nature of work in three states would be eligible is not unreasonable,” the division bench held, adding, “Greater amount of experience, with stricter conditions, than usual, cannot be held to be arbitrary, considering the object sought to be achieved, i.e. free, fair and peaceful elections in Bengal. Moreover, the scope of the work is based on the instructions from the Election Commission.”The successful bidder has to provide suitable manpower for live web streaming and CCTV recording for the complete duration of the poll event, as specified by the CEO or DEO.Calcutta High Court on Tuesday held that courts cannot interfere with terms and conditions of a contract unless there is overwhelming public interest involved.