Mumbai, Amid protests by Maharashtra government employees, the Bombay High Court on Friday asked the state government what it was doing to “prevent the threat” of illegal strikes. The court said that ordinary citizens should not worry about all this. Acting Chief Justice SV A Gangapurwala Division Bank and Justice Sandeep Marne said this while listening to a petition filed by defender Gunaratna Sadavarte.
The petition sought leadership to immediately suspend the strike by government employees, including those in the education and medical sectors. Lakhs of state government employees are on indefinite strike demanding restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in Maharashtra.
This is affecting administrative work and many services in the state. Advocate General Birender Saraf told the court that the strike was “illegal” and said the state government was doing everything possible to ensure that no one suffered hardship as a result of the strike. The caucus called on the government to clearly indicate what measures it is taking to ensure that people have access to basic amenities and essential services.
The court said: “We are concerned that ordinary citizens are not deprived of essential services. Ordinary citizens need not worry. We want to know what steps the state is taking to stop this threat. What is the government doing to provide basic facilities and essential services to the people? The court, listing the matter for March 23, said people have the right to protest, but the government must make sure it takes the right steps so no one gets into trouble.
