In an order issued on Monday, the office of the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Mokokchung, has issued strict instructions warning of disciplinary action against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for any lapse in election-related duties, in line with directions of the Election Commission of India.
The order, issued in pursuance of an Election Commission letter dated January 23, 2026, reminded all BLOs that they are appointed under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and are deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission of India under Section 13CC while discharging election duties. They have been directed to strictly adhere to the provisions of the RP Act, 1950, the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and all instructions issued by the Commission from time to time.
The order listed several grounds on which a Booth Level Officer may face disciplinary action, including:
1) Dereliction of duty in the discharge of election-related responsibilities
2) Negligence or lack of due diligence in verification, field work, or reporting
3) Wilful non-compliance of instructions issued by the Election Commission of India
4) Unauthorized addition, deletion, shifting, or transfer of electors
5) Furnishing incorrect, misleading, or false information
6) Violation of the RP Act, 1950 or Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
7) Use of forged or fabricated documents
8) Any act or omission adversely affecting the accuracy, integrity, or credibility of the electoral roll
9) Failure to maintain neutrality, integrity, and transparency while performing BLO duties
10) Any act amounting to wilful or criminal misconduct
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The order further stated that non-compliance could invite serious consequences. “Any BLO found guilty of the above shall face one or more of the following consequences, as applicable,” it stated. The consequences include:
1. The District Election officers shall place the BLO under suspension and make recommendation to the concerned disciplinary authority for initiating departmental proceedings for insubordination or dereliction of duty. Such recommendation shall be promptly acted upon by the concerned disciplinary authority and action taken communicated within a period of six months.
2. Registration of FIR, only in cases involving wilful or criminal misconduct, with prior approval of the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland
3. Removal from BLO assignment and debarment from future election-related duties
4. Any other action deemed appropriate under the RP Act, 1950, Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and instructions of the Election Commission of India.
“All BLOs shall discharge their duties with utmost integrity, transparency and accountability,” the order stated. It also directed Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant EROs and BLO Supervisors to closely monitor BLO functioning and report any lapse immediately, adding that any violation of these instructions will be viewed seriously and dealt with strictly.
“This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall be treated as most urgent and mandatory,” the order read.