Kolkata, Jan 14 (TIWN) Amid an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Calcutta High Court on Friday asked the West Bengal state election commission to consider postponing the election in four Municipal Corporations by at least four to six weeks.

In response to a PIL, the bench observed that the SEC has to keep in mind the surge in COVID-19 infections in the state, adding that there has been a massive spread of the coronavirus in places like Chandannagar town and North 24 Parganas district. 

Earlier, the SEC had announced that elections to the Bidhannagar, Chandannagar, Siliguri and Asansol municipal corporations will be held on January 22. Bidhannagar falls in North 24 Parganas district. 

The court also observed that the SEC should also consider whether it is possible to hold free and fair polls in a peaceful manner in such a situation.  It said that the SEC has enough powers to decide on postponing the polls and the need to consult with any other body in this regard.