HC directs MSEB workers unions to defer strike

Mumbai, Aug 21 (UNI) Taking a tough stand against the Maharashtra State Electricity Board workers proposed strike, the Bombay High Court today directed the employees unions to defer the strike.

At the same time, the Court also assured the unions that it will direct the state government to hear them on their demands.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice D Y Chandrachud, also directed the state government as well as all three companies of erstwhile MSEB, Maharashra Electricity Distribution Company, Maharashra Electricity Transmission Company and Maharashra Electricity Generation Company to inform their respective workers about the court direction.

The court further directed the petitioner companies to implead the state government as party respondent, and directed the state to file the reply affidavit within two weeks. The companies have been given two weeks further time to file their say on the state's affidavit.

The petitions will come up for further hearing after six weeks.

MSEB Workers Federation, an umbrella body of all 17 workers unions in the erstwhile state company, had called for a 72 hour strike beginning from midnight tonight, alleging that the Government has neglected their demands regarding implementation of pension scheme and abolishing franchisee system adopted by the Maharashtra Electricity Distribution Company Ltd.

All the three companies have moved the High Court seeking declaration that the proposed strike was illegal and unjustified, as it would cause irrepairable loss to the companies and inconvenience to the general public.

UNI