Delhi HC petition challenges ECI action over deployment of teachers for SIR work

A petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court challenging the Election Commission of India’s action of assigning government school teachers duties related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The petitioners allege that the arrangement does not allow teachers to discharge their full-time duties in schools.

The petition has been filed as a PIL in W.P. (C) No. 10174 of 2026 by Rajesh Kumar Gogna and another against the Election Commission of India and others. The development comes against the backdrop of an order issued by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for Assembly Constituency 65 (Seelampur) on September 17, directing Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO Supervisors to distribute SIR hearing notices to electors at their respective addresses and obtain acknowledgements.

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Timings for morning, evening shift teachers

The Seelampur ERO order also sets timings for SIR-related work by teachers on working days. For morning or general shift schools, SIR-related work is to be carried out after completion of the first half of school or office hours. For evening shift schools, the work is to be undertaken before the school starts during the first half, after which teachers are to attend their regular school or office duties during the second half.

The order directs Heads of Schools and principals to make internal arrangements to adjust academic duties so that the deployment of teachers for SIR work does not disrupt classroom teaching.

The petition before the Delhi HC seeks appropriate directions in connection with the issue. According to the petition index, the application has been filed under Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, read with Article 226 of the Constitution, and refers to an order passed by the High Court on July 28, 2026.

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The Seelampur ERO order states that BLOs and BLO Supervisors must ensure timely distribution of SIR hearing notices and obtain acknowledgements as per the prescribed procedure. It also warns that non-compliance may attract strict action.

The issue of teachers being deployed for election-related duties has previously come before the Delhi High Court. On July 28, the court observed that while the ECI has the authority to requisition government school teachers for election-related work, the workload should not become an unbearable burden and regular teaching responsibilities should be protected.