Election Commission Mandates Strict Action Against Negligent Booth Level Officers
In a significant move to ensure electoral integrity, the Election Commission of India (EC) has issued stringent directives regarding misconduct by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). On Friday, the commission ordered that all cases involving dereliction of duty, negligence, misconduct, or willful non-compliance with electoral laws during electoral roll preparation must follow a strict procedural framework.
Immediate Suspension and Departmental Proceedings
The EC has mandated that any BLO found violating instructions or electoral laws shall first be placed under suspension by the concerned District Election Officer (DEO). This suspension must be followed by a formal recommendation to the disciplinary authority to initiate departmental proceedings against the officer. The commission emphasized that such recommendations shall be promptly acted upon, with action communicated within a strict timeline of six months.
Criminal Misconduct and FIR Registration
In cases involving criminal misconduct, the DEO is authorized to promptly register a First Information Report (FIR) against the erring BLO. This action requires prior approval from the state or Union Territory Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The EC's letter, sent to all state and UT CEOs, underscores the seriousness with which such violations are to be treated, ensuring legal accountability beyond administrative measures.
CEO's Authority and Execution Mechanism
The Chief Electoral Officer has been granted comprehensive authority to decide and take action against BLOs, either on their own initiative (suo motu) or based on reports from DEOs or Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). Actions can include suspension, disciplinary proceedings, and FIR registration. Importantly, the EC directed that the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings shall not be affected without prior concurrence from the CEO, ensuring centralized oversight and consistency in enforcement.
Legal Framework and Electoral Roll Integrity
The EC highlighted that violations by BLOs adversely impact the accuracy, integrity, and credibility of electoral rolls, which are foundational to free and fair elections. Referring to its 2022 instructions, the commission noted that BLOs are appointed by EROs under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with DEO approval. Furthermore, BLOs are deemed to be on deputation to the EC under Section 13CC of the same act, reinforcing their accountability to the commission's directives.
This procedural tightening aims to streamline accountability and deter negligence, ensuring that electoral processes remain robust and trustworthy ahead of upcoming elections.
