Overview
- States and Union Territories were told to depute additional personnel so BLO working hours can be reduced during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Employees citing illness, pregnancy or other specific constraints may be exempted individually, but states cannot withdraw deputed staff without providing replacements.
- The bench disposed of TVK’s immediate plea and said requests such as ex-gratia for reported BLO deaths may be revived later by affected parties.
- The Election Commission argued it resorts to criminal action only when officers show reluctance, as petitioners alleged 35–40 suicides nationwide and about 50 FIRs in Uttar Pradesh under Section 32.
- The SIR covers nearly 51 crore electors and recently saw a one-week extension in several jurisdictions, with Rajasthan reporting 99.5% digital uploads and over 95% voter mapping.