The Election Commission of India(ECI) has issued clear and strict instructions on disciplinary action against Booth Level Officers (BLOs)in cases of negligence, misconduct or violation of election laws. The move reinforces the responsibility of BLOs to ensure that electoral rolls remain accurate and trustworthy.
Booth-level officers are appointed by the Electoral Registration Officer under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with the approval of the District Election Officer. Election Commission Secretary Sujeet Kumar Mishra cited official instructions to reiterate the process as he explained the new rules on Friday. He added that the Commission has clarified that BLOs are considered to be on deputation to the Election Commission of India under Section 13CC of the same Act.
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The Commission noted that it has examined cases involving dereliction of duty, negligence, misconduct, wilful disregard of the Commission’s instructions, violations of the RP Act, 1950 or the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, as well as any act or lapse that harms the accuracy, integrity or credibility of the electoral roll while a BLO is performing official duties.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued comprehensive guidelines to all Chief Electoral Officers on taking disciplinary action against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for failing to perform their duties, negligence, misconduct, or intentional disregard of Commission… pic.twitter.com/aXZxtZyHKP
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2026
Election Commission mandates 6-month deadline for disciplinary action
In such situations, the Commission has decided that a clearly defined process must be followed to initiate disciplinary action against erring BLOs.
“The DEO shall place the BLO under suspension and make a recommendation to the concerned disciplinary authority for initiating departmental proceedings for insubordination or dereliction of duty,” the Election Commission Secretary stated.
He further directed that these recommendations must be acted upon without delay, and that the disciplinary authority should inform about the action taken within six months.
Criminal misconduct to face FIRs
“In case of criminal misconduct, the DEO may promptly get an FIR registered against the erring BLO with the approval of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) as required under Section 32 of the RP Act. 1950,” the EC Secretary stated.
The EC Secretary also said, “the CEO of State/UT concerned. shall also be competent to decide and take action, either suo motu or on the basis of a report received from the DEO/ERO, against a BLO. like suspension followed by disciplinary proceedings. lodging of FIR etc.”
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“The action so decided by the CEO shall be got executed through the concerned DEO. DEO shall take immediate necessary action by following the procedure laid down in the preceding paragraph,” the EC Secretary stated.
The Commission has also made it clear that disciplinary proceedings in such cases cannot be concluded without prior approval of the CEO. It added that all actions taken must be formally reported to the Election Commission of India. |
