Delhi high court restrains power workers from going on strike

The Delhi high court has restrained state electricity workers from going on strike from today to press for payment of monetary dues.

The order came on a plea by power distribution companies (DISCOMs) BSES Yamuna Power Ltd and BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd during a hearing at the residence of chief justice on Wednesday night.

"If an interim injunction is not granted, such a strike is likely to cause immense financial loss to the plaintiffs (DISCOMs) and inconceivable disturbance in the public utility system and also usher in a situation whereby the lives of the citizens shall definitely be endangered and security would be affected," the bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Vikramajit Sen said in an order while granting a stay on the strike.

Through a notice, the workers union had threatened to go on strike demanding payment of dues and arrears from January 20.

In a petition before the court, the DISCOMS submitted that if the workers go on strike supply of electricity would be affected in the city.

"They cannot jeopardize public utility service at their whim and fancy," the petition said and sought a direction to the workers not to resort to pen down/tools down strike, holding rallies, staging demonstrations or dharnas.