Breaking News LIVE: SIR Case – SC Refuses To Fault ECI Over BLO Deaths, Tells States To Ramp Up Staff
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hold the EC responsible for the recent “stress and work-pressure” related deaths and alleged suicides of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), even as it expressed concern over the growing number of such incidents. Hearing the SIR petition, the bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said the responsibility lies squarely with the respective state governments to ensure adequate staffing for election-related duties. While acknowledging the “deaths, suicides” flagged in court, the bench said that deployment for electoral rolls and related work is a lawful exercise, and states must provide sufficient manpower to prevent overburdening existing staff. “State governments shall provide additional staff so that the workload on existing personnel and the working hours are proportionately reduced,” the court said. The CJI made the court’s position clear, stating: “The State is obligated to provide an adequate workforce. If now you are giving 10,000 persons, give 20,000… 30,000 to the ECI.” A detailed order is expected to be issued in the coming days.
