Supreme Court Urges Protection for Electoral Officers Amidst Threats

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over threats to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and officials in West Bengal and other states engaged in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The court urged the Election Commission to address non-cooperation by state governments and ensure the safety of officials.

The Supreme Court has taken a firm stand against threats faced by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and other officials working on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and other states. The court emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that it could lead to anarchy if unresolved.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi urged the Election Commission to highlight instances of non-cooperation by state governments. The bench offered to intervene with appropriate orders to facilitate the process.

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the Election Commission, stated that if the situation worsens, the commission might have to seek police assistance, although it currently lacks jurisdiction until elections are announced. Despite constitutional powers, Dwivedi assured the court of EC’s commitment to addressing threats against BLOs.