Kolkata, 4 August (H.S.) -In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by a section of primary school teachers seeking exemption from duties as Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The court asserted that BLO duties are essential to national interest and cannot be interfered with, as they fall under the Election Commission's jurisdiction.

Justice Amrita Sinha, presiding over the matter, clarified that the Election Commission has neither defined the precise scope of BLO responsibilities nor fixed a timeline for their completion. Therefore, she noted, it is incorrect to assume that teachers are required to devote their entire working hours to BLO tasks. Instead, the court stated that such duties could be performed after completing their regular teaching responsibilities.

The petitioner teachers had argued that they are engaged in teaching and other academic duties from Monday to Saturday, with only Sunday as their weekly day off, leaving no room for additional responsibilities. They contended that taking on BLO duties would disrupt their ability to perform their primary role as educators.

However, the Election Commission countered this by stating that BLO assignments are meant to be carried out in extra hours and do not conflict with teachers’ core functions. The Commission emphasized that while BLO work is important, it is secondary to their primary job and should be handled accordingly.

The court upheld this view, observing that electoral responsibilities are part of public service obligations. It also cited a previous ruling by the Kerala High Court—later upheld by the Supreme Court—which had similarly directed teachers to take on BLO duties without letting them interfere with regular work.

The judgment comes at a time when the Election Commission is preparing for the nationwide rollout of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. With the process already completed in Bihar, the Commission has now instructed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) across all states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, to expedite the appointment and training of BLOs, BLO supervisors, and Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

Against this backdrop, the High Court’s ruling reinforces the legal expectation that government employees, including schoolteachers, must participate in electoral duties as part of their commitment to public service.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh