New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed states and union territories to consider deputing additional staff to assist booth level officers (BLOs) engaged in the time-bound Special Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following concerns over extreme work pressure. The top court’s order comes in response to a plea by actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), seeking protection for BLOs from coercive actions under the Representation of the People Act for delays in completing SIR duties.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted submissions by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan for TVK, highlighting that many BLOs—often teachers or Anganwadi workers—have reportedly died due to excessive pressure from Election Commission officials. Sankaranarayanan also raised concerns over FIRs being registered against BLOs who fail to perform assigned duties.
CJI Kant observed that state governments may consider deploying additional employees to reduce work pressure. “In case they are facing hardships, including being overburdened with their routine duties as well as additional duties assigned by the Election Commission, the state government can obviate such hardships,” the bench said.
The court’s order suggested that states and UTs may assess the “desirability of deputing additional staff at the disposal of the EC so that the working hours can be proportionately reduced.” Employees seeking exemption from SIR duties for specific reasons may be considered for replacement on a case-by-case basis, though the order clarified that this does not allow withdrawal of assigned staff if substitutes are not available.
The bench further emphasised that all states and UTs conducting SIR must ensure the requisite workforce is available to the Election Commission, while allowing for an increase in staff strength where necessary.
With PTI inputs