Wed Nov 19 08:36:29 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Rathan U. Kelkar, has warned of strict criminal action against anyone obstructing booth-level officers (BLOs) from performing their duties related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This follows reports of such obstruction in Malappuram and Idukki. Kelkar emphasized that BLOs are considered public servants under the Election Commission of India (ECI) and that District Collectors have been instructed to act under Section 121 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against obstructors. He also addressed concerns about workload on BLOs and clarified that the ECI wasn’t planning action against BLOs who participated in recent protests. He further reported that 97% of enumeration forms have been distributed, with approximately 55,000 cases of untraceable individuals (deceased, shifted, or duplicated) identified, and that nearly 5 lakh forms have been digitized so far. The District Collectors have also been instructed to take strict action against the spread of misinformation pertaining to the SIR.

News Article:

Kerala CEO Warns of Criminal Action Against Those Obstructing Electoral Roll Revision

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, November 19, 2025 – Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Rathan U. Kelkar, issued a stern warning today, stating that anyone found obstructing booth-level officers (BLOs) from carrying out their duties in relation to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls will face strict criminal action.

Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Kelkar cited incidents in Malappuram and Idukki where BLOs were reportedly prevented from performing their work. “A BLO, once appointed, is considered a public servant under the Election Commission of India (ECI),” Kelkar stated. “District Collectors have been instructed to take firm action under Section 121 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against those who attempt to hinder their work.”

Section 121 of the code deals with public servants being hindered in the discharge of their duties.

Kelkar also addressed concerns raised about the workload on BLOs, promising that these issues would be looked into. He clarified that the ECI has no plans to take action against BLOs who participated in recent protests.

Providing an update on the SIR progress, Kelkar reported that 97% of enumeration forms have been distributed. Approximately 55,000 cases of untraceable individuals – including deceased persons, those who have relocated, or duplicated entries – have been identified. Nearly 5 lakh forms have been digitized.

The CEO added that District Collectors have been directed to take strict action against the spread of misinformation pertaining to the SIR and that District Collectors have been asked to seek police assistance for BLOs if needed. The CEO emphasized that the entire process is being carried out under the mandates of the Constitution and the ECI.

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