Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Aug 5: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, August 5 came down heavily on the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of transport employees for continuing with their indefinite strike despite court directions and the imposition of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).
During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi expressed strong displeasure over the defiance. The bench stated that it will not tolerate the continuation of the strike despite the interim order, and warned that contempt proceedings may be initiated.
The court further cautioned that if the strike is not withdrawn, it may order the arrest of JAC leaders under ESMA provisions. The bench directed the JAC’s legal representatives to submit an affidavit by Wednesday (August 6) confirming that the strike has ended. Failing to do so, the court warned that contempt of court proceedings would be initiated.
The High Court also issued notices to the unions of the four state transport corporations — KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC — and extended the stay on the strike by two more days. The matter has been adjourned to August 7.
During the proceedings, the Advocate General informed the court that the strike had severely affected the general public. When asked about the progress of negotiations, the court was briefed on the discussions held so far.
“If you have grievances, resolve them through dialogue with the government. You cannot inconvenience the public. Continuing the strike even after ESMA has been invoked is illegal,” the court observed.
In the wake of the High Court’s strong warning, JAC's legal counsel assured the bench that the strike would not continue on Wednesday.
Soon after the court's warning, JAC president H V Anantha Subbarao addressed a press conference and officially announced the deferment of the indefinite strike. He urged all transport employees to report back to duty immediately and resume work without delay.
The strike, launched on Tuesday by employees of the state’s four transport corporations demanding fulfilment of various demands, has now been suspended following the court intervention.