The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi government to hold salary of the Secretary Rural Development Department and the Principal Secretary (Revenue)/Divisional Commissioner till such time the industrial award(s) in favour of workmen remain unimplemented.
A single judge bench of Justice Navin Chawla, while hearing the matter through video conferencing, has also directed to file a status report on steps taken to ensure implementation of the awards.
He said, “In my view, this apathy of the respondents towards workmen cannot be countenanced. It seems that only drastic measure can awaken the respondents from their slumber.”
Accordingly, the Court has directed that the Secretary, Rural Development Department and the Principal Secretary (Revenue)/Divisional Commissioner shall not be released their salaries till such time the industrial award(s) remain unimplemented or till further directions of this Court, whichever is earlier.
The petition was filed by Delhi Prashasan Vikas Vibhag Industrial Employees Union which has sought the implementation of industrial award(s) and recovery certificate(s) that were passed in favour of the workmen 14 years back. The same had been affirmed by the High Court and by the Supreme Court almost a year back.
The bench noted that no action has been taken ever since. “These petitions have been pending before this Court since 19.08.2020 and thereafter, repeatedly adjourned on the assurance of the respondents that the implementation of the Industrial Award(s) is being expedited and necessary action would be taken thereon.”
The bench has listed the matter for further hearing on January 27.
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