New Delhi, December 4 – The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed deep concern over the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. The court clearly stated that reducing the increasing workload on BLOs is the responsibility of state governments and additional staff should be deployed immediately for this purpose.
This comment came during the hearing of a petition filed by Tamil Nadu political party TVK when the court was informed that 35-40 BLOs have died across the country so far due to excessive work pressure. The petitioners also demanded compensation for the affected families.
The bench of Chief Justice Surykant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that the SIR process is a valid administrative action that needs to be completed on time.
They said, “If there is staff shortage anywhere, it is the state’s duty to appoint additional employees.”
The court also clarified that state governments should adopt a sensitive approach towards officers who are ill, incapable, or working under excessive pressure and immediately deploy alternative staff.
The Supreme Court has directed states to appoint additional staff so that BLO working hours can be reduced.
Where 10,000 employees are present, 20,000 to 30,000 personnel can be deployed if needed. If any BLO or employee seeks exemption from duty due to personal reasons, illness, or serious circumstances, competent officers can provide relief on a case-to-case basis. When exemption is granted, another employee should be immediately appointed in their place.
During the hearing, petitioners stated that cases have emerged from several states where BLOs have committed suicide due to excessive work pressure, long duty hours, and lack of resources.
On this, the CJI said, “This is an extremely serious matter. Whichever state this is happening in, the administration must take immediate action.”
Tamil Nadu political party TVK, demanding a halt or modification to the SIR process, said that such heavy burden is being placed on BLOs that many people are losing their lives due to stress.
The petition has also requested the court to ensure compensation for BLO families.
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