SC Rejects Urgent Hearing on Bengal BLO Attacks, Calls on State to Ensure Safety
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined an urgent hearing on allegations of attacks on booth-level officers (BLOs) in West Bengal, stating that the state government is capable of addressing the issue. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, expressed confidence in the existing system to maintain law and order and handle the situation. Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay had sought the court's intervention, citing 'planned attacks' on BLOs in West Bengal and other states. He emphasized that these officials, responsible for the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise, face threats and intimidation. Another lawyer representing BLOs pointed out that while election officials receive safety measures and compensation, BLOs, often teachers or government staff, are left unprotected. The bench questioned the formation of a 'trade union' by BLOs, prompting Upadhyay to suggest that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should direct the police to provide security. The court will hear the issue later. Meanwhile, the court proceeded with the hearing on the main petitions challenging SIR in Bihar. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the current exercise is not legitimate, citing a single instance of SIR being carried out in Thakurdwara assembly segment in Uttar Pradesh. The court adjourned the hearing to December 4, with arguments remaining inconclusive.
