Thu Dec 04 09:49:49 UTC 2025: News Article:

Supreme Court Intervenes in BLO Workload Crisis, Orders States to Provide Relief

New Delhi – December 4, 2025 – The Supreme Court has intervened in a growing crisis surrounding the workload of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Responding to a plea filed by actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), the court has directed all States and Union Territories to consider deploying additional employees to alleviate the pressure on BLOs.

The petition highlighted the immense strain faced by BLOs, often Anganwadi workers and teachers, who are reportedly forced to undertake demanding election-related duties after completing their regular jobs. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing TVK, argued that the relentless pressure and threat of prosecution for failing to meet targets have led to reported cases of deaths and suicides among BLOs across the country. He urged the court to prevent coercive action against BLOs under the Representation of the People Act.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal further emphasized that BLOs fear seeking relief from authorities due to the threat of prosecution.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi acknowledged the severity of the situation. Chief Justice Kant stated that since the States deploy BLO personnel, it is the State’s responsibility to address the issue. The Court has ordered the State governments to appoint a regional officer to ensure a proportional reduction in the workload of BLOs. It stated that the State government can consider deploying additional staff to ease BLOs work pressure and that if any employee, for specific reasons, is to be exempted from BLO work, the government concerned may consider the request of the employee on a case-by-case basis and replace the person with another employee.

The Supreme Court reiterated that during the SIR, States are obligated to provide the necessary workforce to the Election Commission (EC), emphasizing that deploying additional staff to ease the burden on BLOs remains a viable option. The case underscores growing concerns about the well-being of frontline election workers and the potential impact on the integrity of the electoral process.

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