Supreme Court Urges States to Alleviate Workload of Booth-Level Officers

The Supreme Court has taken action regarding the overwhelming workload of booth-level officers (BLOs) involved in the electoral roll revision process. Responding to a plea from Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, the court has directed state governments to consider deploying additional staff to alleviate the pressure on BLOs, many of whom have faced extreme stress leading to tragic outcomes. The court emphasized the need for compassion and support for these officers, urging states to fulfill their responsibilities and provide necessary exemptions. This directive comes amid concerns over the tight timelines for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the electoral process.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 18:15 IST

Supreme Court's Directive on Booth-Level Officers' Work Pressure

New Delhi, Dec 4: The Supreme Court has responded to a plea regarding the intense workload faced by booth-level officers (BLOs) involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. On Thursday, the court instructed state governments to consider assigning additional personnel to help alleviate this burden.

The application was submitted by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), a political party led by actor Vijay, which requested safeguards for BLOs against punitive measures under the Representation of the People Act. The plea highlighted that numerous BLOs, many of whom are teachers or anganwadi workers, have reportedly taken their own lives due to overwhelming stress.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing TVK, emphasized that BLOs are being pushed to their limits.

“Many have succumbed to the immense pressure imposed by Election Commission officials,” he stated, noting that FIRs have been filed against those who fail to complete their tasks on time.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, encouraged state intervention.

“State governments can alleviate such difficulties,” the bench remarked, suggesting that additional staff could help reduce the workload. The court's directive indicated that states should consider the feasibility of assigning more personnel to the Election Commission to proportionately lessen working hours.

For employees genuinely struggling, the bench mentioned that exemptions could be granted on an individual basis, but clarified that states must not withdraw staff without providing replacements.

During the proceedings, Sankaranarayanan recounted instances of FIRs filed under Section 32 of the RP Act, which pertains to breaches of official duty. He cited a tragic case where a young man, denied leave for his wedding, was suspended and subsequently took his own life. He urged officials to demonstrate compassion.

The Chief Justice noted that states have a duty to address these issues. “If difficulties arise, the state government can exempt employees on a case-by-case basis and offer alternatives,” he stated.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal described the pressure on BLOs as a “harsh reality.”

The Election Commission, represented by senior advocates Rakesh Dwivedi and Maninder Singh, clarified that legal action is only pursued when BLOs exhibit “reluctance” to fulfill their responsibilities. Dwivedi mentioned that in Tamil Nadu, “over 90 percent of the enumeration forms have been distributed.”

Recently, the Election Commission extended the SIR timeline by one week in nine states and three Union Territories due to concerns regarding the tight deadlines.