Supreme Court Gives Election Panel Four Months to Resolve TMC Row

The Supreme Court has imposed a structured timeline to resolve the ongoing factional dispute within the Trinamool Congress, directing the Election Commission to render its decision within three months of receiving complete pleadings from the competing groups.

According to the court's order, both factions have been allotted four weeks to complete their submissions before the poll panel. This framework aims to expedite resolution of a matter that has roiled West Bengal's political landscape, with multiple parties claiming legitimacy to the party's name and electoral symbol.

The Election Commission will assume jurisdiction once the pleading period concludes, with the statutory three-month window commencing thereafter. The poll body will be tasked with determining which faction represents the authentic Trinamool Congress and holds rightful claim to the party's organisational structure and electoral credentials.

The Supreme Court's intervention comes as the leadership dispute threatens to fragment voter support and create administrative confusion during electoral cycles. The structured timeline reflects judicial efforts to prevent prolonged uncertainty that could affect the electoral process and party members' interests.

Both disputing factions are expected to utilise the four-week period to substantiate their respective claims regarding party legitimacy, membership records, and organisational continuity before the Election Commission.