New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Thursday provided a series of directives aimed at reducing the burden on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who are currently engaged in the Election Commission's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise across multiple states. This action follows concerning reports of deaths and FIRs filed against personnel at the grassroots level.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that officials assigned by state governments and State Election Commissions (SECs) are required to fulfill these responsibilities. They also emphasized the need for state governments to step in when BLOs encounter challenges.

The CJI’s bench encouraged state governments to supply additional personnel to the Election Commission of India (ECI), thereby allowing for a reduction in working hours.

"If any employee presents a valid reason for exemption, such requests should be evaluated individually, with suitable replacements provided. However, this should not imply that employees can withdraw unless alternatives are available," the court mandated.

This ruling came in response to an application by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay, which sought the safeguarding of BLOs from coercive actions under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act. The Tamil Nadu-based party highlighted 35 to 40 BLO fatalities across the nation, attributing them to overwhelming work demands during the SIR exercise.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing TVK, pointed out, "FIRs under Section 32 have been lodged in Uttar Pradesh. Workers and teachers are being assigned SIR responsibilities in addition to their regular duties. One young man was even denied leave for his wedding, leading to his tragic suicide. This is not the proper way to operate a system."

The TVK's application revealed multiple suicides in states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, linking these tragedies to "excessive workloads, intimidation, and fear of legal repercussions."

In light of several reported suicides and heart attacks tied to SIR deadlines, the application, submitted through advocate Yash S. Vijay, has requested an extension until March 2026, arguing that the existing timeline is "utterly unreasonable" and has led to fatalities, even after the ECI announced an extension.

Sankaranarayanan asserted before the bench, "This SIR-related work is not voluntary; they cannot withdraw. Complaints under Section 32 can only be initiated by the ECI. The chilling effect is real."

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal commented on the pressures faced by BLOs, labeling it a "harsh reality," and questioned the rationale behind allocating only 30 days for enumeration in regions like Uttar Pradesh, where Assembly elections are set for 2027.

"What is the rush?" Sibal questioned.

In opposition, senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing the Election Commission, dismissed the TVK’s plea as "groundless," asserting that many BLOs were reluctant to perform their duties, which has compelled the poll body to initiate criminal actions.

The CJI Surya Kant-led Bench noted that while the ECI cannot conduct the exercise without state collaboration, the states also cannot evade their responsibilities.

"If any employee faces genuine issues—such as illness or pregnancy—the state government can provide replacements," it clarified.

Regarding the fatalities among BLOs, the Supreme Court stated that applications for ex gratia compensation could be submitted later and will be addressed separately.