SC on BLO Threat: The Supreme Court on Tuesday took serious note of the alleged intimidation of BLOs (Booth Level Officers) and other officials involved in ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR 2.0) in West Bengal and other states. The court directed Election Commission to bring such incidents to its attention, warning that failure to do so would lead to chaos. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also instructed the Election Commission to take seriously the lack of cooperation from various state governments in the Special Summary Revision of the electoral rolls.
Supreme Court Statement: What did the Supreme Court say?
The bench told senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the Election Commission (EC), to bring to the court’s attention any complaints of obstruction or lack of cooperation in the work of BLOs (Booth Level Officers) so that it could issue appropriate orders. Dwivedi said that if the situation worsens, the EC would have no option but to take control of the police, which falls under the state government’s jurisdiction. Justice Bagchi said that the poll panel cannot take control of the police until the election process begins.
Supreme Court News Today: What did Dwivedi say, referring to the Election Commission?
Dwivedi also said that the Election Commission has all the constitutional powers to deal with cases of intimidation of BLOs and other officers involved in the electoral roll revision. Justice Kant told Dwivedi to handle the situation seriously, otherwise, anarchy could spread. He described it as a “very serious” matter. Dwivedi also said that despite the tension in West Bengal, there is no question of BLOs committing suicide, as their work is limited to counting only 30-35 voters in six or seven houses.
SC On BLO Threat: Justice Bagchi called this a desk job
Justice Bagchi stated that this is not a desk job; BLOs (Booth Level Officers) are responsible for going door-to-door to fill out the enumeration forms and upload them. He said, “It’s not as easy as it looks.” Senior advocate V. Giri, appearing for the petitioner Sanatani Sansad and other parties, submitted that they have complained about violence and threats against the BLOs and other officials involved in the SIR (Special Summary Revision) and have sought directions from the Election Commission to ensure their safety.
Also Read- Nilesh Kumar Murder: JDU leader Nilesh Kumar murdered in Begusarai
