Kolkata, August 5, 2025 — Reiterating that the “nation needs your service,” the Calcutta High Court on Monday firmly directed school teachers to cooperate with the Election Commission’s (EC) poll-related duties. The court dismissed a petition filed by 50 primary school teachers who challenged their assignment as Booth Level Officers (BLOs), citing workload concerns and disruption to academic responsibilities.

The teachers had expressed apprehension about having to work during holidays and non-teaching hours. “You have to work a double shift. What can be done? Limited work will be given to you. You primarily are teachers,” observed Justice Amrita Sinha. The court highlighted that the EC’s workload, while significant, could be managed with cooperation from school authorities.

The petitioners argued that they already have full-time teaching responsibilities and little time to accommodate additional poll-related tasks. However, the court was not convinced.

In defense, the EC’s counsel pointed out that out of 48,000 teachers drafted for election duties, only 50 had raised concerns, and most assignments were yet to begin. “It has been done in consultation with officers, including schools. This is a misapprehension,” the EC’s lawyer said.

The court was also informed that EC guidelines specify that teachers should be drafted for such duties minimally and preferably during non-instructional hours to avoid disruptions to schoolwork.

Despite the teachers’ argument, the court emphasized the importance of civic duty. “Nation needs you,” the judge reiterated, underlining the importance of supporting electoral processes, especially when tasks are scheduled during non-teaching days to mitigate classroom loss.

This ruling sets a precedent on how public servants, especially educators, are expected to assist in democratic duties even if it requires additional effort.

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