Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday ordered that all cases involving dereliction of duty, negligence, misconduct, willful non-compliance of the commission’s instructions or violation of electoral laws with respect to preparation of electoral roll by the booth level officer (BLO), shall be dealt as per a set procedure starting with placing such BLO under suspension by the concerned district election officer (CEO), followed by a recommendation to the disciplinary authority to initiate departmental proceedings against them.“Such recommendation shall be promptly acted upon by the concerned disciplinary authority and action taken communicated within a period of six months,” the EC directed in a letter sent to the chief electoral officers of all states and Union territories. In case of criminal misconduct, the DEO may promptly get an FIR registered against the erring BLO with the approval of state/UT CEO. The CEO shall also be competent to decide and take action, either suo motu or on the basis of a report received from the DEO or electoral registration officer (ERO), against the BLO, like suspension followed by disciplinary proceedings, lodging of FIR etc.“The action so decided by the CEO shall be executed through the concerned DEO. DEO shall take immediate necessary action,” EC stated. Importantly, the EC directed that the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings in such cases shall not be affected without the prior concurrence of the CEO. Stating that violation of electoral laws and rules or any act of omission on part of the BLO adversely affects the accuracy, integrity or credibility of the electoral roll, EC referred to its instructions from 2022 that clearly state that BLOs are appointed by the ERO under Section 13B (2) of the Representation o f the People Act, 1950 (RP Act, 1950), after obtaining approval of the DEO. Also, BLOs are deemed to be on deputation to EC under Section 13CC of the RBlP Act 1950.
