The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday refused to pass any interim order in a case related to Jactto-Geo’s agitation.
The jam-packed Court Hall 1 witnessed heated arguments as the court questioned those representing the State government and Jactto-Geo.
A Division Bench of Justices K.K. Sasidharan and G.R. Swaminathan sought to know how the State government was managing the situation, with Jactto-Geo’s indefinite strike entering the seventh day. When Additional Advocate General P.H. Arvindh Pandian told the court that temporary arrangements were being made, the court observed that such appointments could lead to confusion and a fresh set of litigations. Jactto-Geo, represented by advocate N.G.R. Prasad, told the court that it was not ready to withdraw the strike as the State government had not acceded to its demands.
Taking note of the submissions, the court said it was trying its best to resolve the issue amicably. The court questioned Jactto-Geo whether a strike was the appropriate legal method to raise its grievances. Refusing to pass interim orders, it adjourned the hearing till February 18.
The court was hearing a PIL by advocate S. Loganathan of Madurai, who sought a direction to restrain Jactto-Geo from going ahead with the strike.
He contended that under Rule 22 of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1973, there was a prohibition on such employees engaging in strikes for grievance redressal while neglecting their duties.
