The Karnataka High Court on Thursday extended its interim order restraining transport corporation employees from proceeding with their strike until June 2. A vacation division bench comprising Justices Suraj Govindaraj and K Manmadha Rao stated that the court will review the progress of the conciliation meeting between the employees and the authorities on the next hearing date. The conciliation meeting is scheduled for May 25.
Background of the Case
The court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Bengaluru residents C Vedavathi, a homemaker, and HV Sreedhara, a construction worker. On May 19, the court had initially issued a restraint order preventing transport employees from commencing a bus strike that was proposed to start from May 20. The petitioners argued that the strike would cause immense hardship to the public, particularly daily commuters who rely on public transport.
Next Hearing
The bench has directed that the matter be listed for further hearing on June 2, by which time the court expects the conciliation process to have made significant progress. The court emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute amicably to avoid disruption of public services.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the transport corporation management and employees over issues related to wages, working conditions, and other demands. The strike threat had raised concerns among Bengaluru's residents, who depend heavily on the city's bus network for their daily commute.
