Supreme Court's Remarks on Booth Level Officers (BLOs)
The Supreme Court addressed the responsibilities and challenges faced by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The court emphasized that BLOs cannot avoid their duties, but state governments must provide substitutes if they are overworked.
Court Directions
- State governments were advised to consider deploying additional staff to reduce workload.
- Requests for exemptions from duties should be considered on a case-by-case basis, ensuring replacements for exempted employees.
- The court clarified that employees cannot unilaterally withdraw from assigned duties without substitutes.
Humanitarian Concerns
- The issue of harsh actions, like FIRs under Section 32 of The Representation of the People Act, 1950, against BLOs was discussed.
State Governments' Role
- Chief Justice Kant urged the state governments to provide more employees and address logistical difficulties.
