On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court criticized the Election Commission (EC) for its lack of official notifications justifying the appointment of assistant professors as presiding officers for the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal. Justice Krishna Rao questioned the EC's rationale, noting that even judges could be appointed under Section 26 of the Representation of the People Act. The court was addressing a petition from a group of assistant professors who contested the EC's directive, arguing that previous guidelines discouraged assigning polling duties to Group A-equivalent officers without documented reasons from the District Election Officer (DEO). Justice Rao expressed concern over the inconsistencies in the EC's notifications, stating that teachers should not be subjected to such treatment when there are other qualified officials available. The EC's counsel defended the requisition for duty issued on March 19, claiming the petition was filed too late. However, the court maintained that legal matters must be resolved regardless of timing. The proceedings will continue on Friday as the court awaits the EC's supporting documents.