Ensure security of BLO… If there is obstruction in SIR, strict action will be taken, Supreme Court’s ultimatum to all states.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all the states to provide complete security to the booth level officers engaged in Special Intensive Review (SIR) work. The court made it clear that any instance of threatening BLOS or hindering their work will be taken seriously. This order came after NGO Sanatani Sansad complained about threats being made on BLOS in West Bengal.

Describing the matter as a national level case, the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that it is not limited to West Bengal only, but is applicable to all the states. The court suggested the Election Commission (EC) to approach the Supreme Court if any problem arises in the security of BLOS at the state level.

Strict stance to ensure security of BLOS

The Supreme Court said that we will take strict action to protect BLOS. If their security is not ensured, there will be anarchy. The court asked the Center and the Election Commission to assess the situation and submit a report and, if necessary, directed to file a petition in the Supreme Court.

The court also discussed the workload and stress of BLOS. Citing Congress MP Manish Tewari’s statement in which he had mentioned the death of BLOS, the Supreme Court said that BLOS who are stressed or having health problems can be removed from SIR work and replacements should be provided in their place.

SIR work and increasing pressure on BLOS

The Election Commission said that each BLOS has to count a maximum of 1,200 voters in 37 days, that is, about 35 voters per day. Justice Bagchi said that this is not a desk job. BLOS has to go door-to-door to verify the enumeration form and then upload it. This can cause mental and physical fatigue. We want to ensure that the SIR work is completed without any interruption.

Allegations of threat and lack of evidence in West Bengal

Justice Bagchi questioned the material presented to corroborate the allegations of threat against BLOS in West Bengal. He asked that apart from an FIR there is no credible evidence. Can it be said on the basis of just one incident that this problem is happening only in West Bengal? Is this not biased?

Opposition from state governments and national controversy

EC’s lawyer said that apart from West Bengal, problems are also being faced in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Many state governments have expressed opposition to the SIR work. This case shows that voter list revision is not just an administrative task but has also become a subject of political and legal controversy.