Kerala High Court stays move to pay salary to strikers

Kochi: The High Court on Tuesday stayed the state government decision to pay salary to the government staff who took part in the two-day all-India strike on January 8 and 9 by considering both days as leave with salary. Stating that the government’s decision amounts to encouraging those involved in strikes, the court also asked the government to submit an explanation on the matter.

The court issued the interim order on a private complaint. The complainant has also submitted a copy of the government order issued a few days ago allowing salary for both the strike days. The complainant stated that the decision to pay the salary was against law and sought the help of the judiciary to roll-back the decision. The complainant also alleged that the government itself was encouraging the strikers by its decision to pay the salary.   

The petition has been posted for further detailed hearing. The interim order has restrained the government from paying the salary till the final disposal of the case.

The government offices in the state had come to a standstill on both days of the strike with even ministers staying away from the offices. The salary bill for the government staff per month is estimated to be around Rs 2,500 crore. The average spend for two days will be in the range of Rs 166 crore.