The Madras High Court premises witnessed high drama on Friday afternoon when a group of government-trained nurses threatened to jump from the seventh floor of the Additional Law Chambers, demanding jobs in government hospitals.
After an hour’s struggle by advocates, police and fire service personnel, the 41 demonstrators were brought down and arrested. They were released on bail.
The incident brought into focus the glaring lapses in security in the High Court, which was beefed up only a few days ago.
Earlier, one of the agitators approached the court seeking a review of a Division Bench order of January 8 by which degree and diploma holders from private nursing institutions could also compete with those who had studied in government colleges for appointment as nurses in government hospitals. A Division Bench reserved orders on the review plea.
When the protesters threatened to jump, some advocates pleaded with them not to resort to such methods. Meanwhile, police and fire service personnel surrounded the agitators. The fire service personnel spread a net below.
Protesters entered the court campus as their case was being heard. The agitators, including a pregnant woman, were detained by the High Court police. They were let off after they submitted a written apology to the station officer, sources said.
