THE HINDU DATED 05TH DECEMBER 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-34

THE HINDU DATED 05TH DECEMBER 2025.

1. SC directs States to deploy additional staff to ease BLOs’ workload

The Supreme Court, responding to reports of distress and alleged overwork among Booth Level Officers (BLOs), firmly placed responsibility on State governments to reduce work pressure by deputing additional personnel. The Bench led by the Chief Justice emphasised that BLOs, as State employees, are legally bound to perform statutory duties under the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and that the exercise cannot be hampered on grounds of individual hardship. While petitioners highlighted incidents of BLOs collapsing or dying due to pressure, the Election Commission rejected these claims and defended its timelines. The Court, however, clarified that States must replace employees who seek exemption on genuine grounds and ensure adequate manpower for the revision exercise. The judgment underscores the balance between the EC’s administrative imperatives and the obligation of States to safeguard employees’ welfare.

2. Maoist toll in Chhattisgarh anti-Naxal operation rises to 18

Security forces in Chhattisgarh recovered six additional bodies a day after an intense gun battle along the Bijapur–Dantewada border, raising the Maoist casualty count to 18. Nine of the deceased were women, and sixteen were identified as senior cadres collectively carrying rewards of ₹1.3 crore, including Modiyami Vella, a Company-2 commander allegedly involved in 44 major attacks, including the 2013 Jhiram Ghati massacre. Three police personnel also lost their lives, and several suffered injuries. The operation, described as one of the most significant recent counter-insurgency actions in Bastar, reflects the continued volatility in the region despite periodic government claims of declining Maoist influence. The large number of high-ranking Maoist casualties suggests a major intelligence breakthrough, even as concerns persist regarding civilian safety and long-term governance challenges across tribal belts where insurgency remains entrenched.