Delhi HC questions EC over deploying school teachers as BLOs during SIR
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Delhi High Court pulled up the Election Commission for deploying school teachers as Booth Level Officers during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court questioned the legal authority for compelling teachers to perform election duties, especially during holidays.
Background
The Election Commission conducts Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls periodically. Teachers are often deployed as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for election-related work. The Delhi High Court was hearing a PIL challenging the deployment of government, municipal, and aided school teachers for BLO and SIR duties.
Key facts
Delhi High Court questioned the Election Commission over deploying school teachers as BLOs for SIR of electoral rolls.
The court asked under what legal authority teachers are compelled to carry out election work.
The bench expressed reservations over EC's reliance on Article 324 of the Constitution.
The court questioned EC's claim that teachers serve as 'volunteers', noting that refusal could lead to disciplinary action.
EC argued it derives power from Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
EC submitted that only 10-14% of school teachers were engaged for SIR in Delhi.
EC stated teachers are assigned duties only during holidays and non-teaching hours.
The court questioned why teachers should give up holidays for election work.
The bench suggested EC make a statement that the duty is voluntary to dispose of the petition.
Prelims pointers
- Article 324: Superintendence, direction and control of elections vested in Election Commission.
- Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951: Power of EC to requisition staff.
- Booth Level Officer (BLO): A local official responsible for electoral roll management.
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR): Periodic revision of electoral rolls.
- Delhi High Court: Division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Independence and powers of Election Commission under Article 324.
- GS2 Polity: Role of judiciary in checking executive/statutory overreach.
- GS2 Polity: Fundamental rights of teachers vs. election duties.
- GS2 Governance: Use of government employees for election work and its implications.