The Supreme Court on Thursday issued certain directions which the State Governments can follow if the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duty for the Election Commission of India are facing hardships.

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that "the employees who have been deputed by the State Governments/State Election Commissions at the disposal of the Election Commission of India for the purpose of performing statutory duties, including SIR, are obligated to perform such duties."

The bench further observed :

"In case they are facing hardships, including they being overburdened with their routine duties as well as the additional duties assigned by the Election Commission of India, the St

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