The Supreme Court has directed States and Union Territories to consider sending more staff to help booth-level officers (BLOs) during the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This comes after a plea pointed out extreme work pressure on BLOs. A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard from Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, a party led by actor Vijay. They asked the court to stop the Election Commission from punishing BLOs who fail to meet deadlines due to heavy workload. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan said Anganwadi workers and teachers, who are also BLOs, work after their regular jobs and face pressure till late night. He warned that BLOs should not face criminal action because of this intense pressure. He also mentioned cases of deaths and suicides among BLOs linked to the harsh work conditions. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal added that BLOs fear asking for help or relief because of threats of prosecution. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the States are responsible for providing enough personnel. He ordered States to appoint regional officers to oversee BLO work and reduce their burden. States should also consider requests for exemption from BLO duty on a case-by-case basis and replace such workers. The court stressed States must supply enough workers during the SIR process and they can add staff to lessen the workload on BLOs. This order aims to balance electoral duties with BLOs’ well-being and avoid punishments driven by unrealistic targets.