Srinagar, Apr 9: With essential services in the state badly hit because of the employees’ strike, the High Court Friday directed the government to report within three days about the measures taken for ensuring continuation of the services.
 The Double Bench comprising of Justice Muhammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Hasnain Masoodi passed these directions on a Public Interest Litigation filed by Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar and Riyaz Ahmad Khan.
 “The government should ensure uninterrupted services to the general public,” the court observed.
 The litigants had sought implementation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in letter and spirit and prayed for direction to the government to make alternate arrangements.
 “The strike has paralyzed the functioning of the administration, affecting commoners’ life. The patients are suffering due to non-availability of facilities including doctor’s care.”
 The petitioners accused the employees’ union leaders of enjoying political patronage saying the government’s inaction was piling up the sufferings of people.
 The PIL mentioned that the imposition of ESMA had no affect. “Resorting to strikes at the cost of public convenience was illegal and violation of Supreme Court directions,” it said.
 The petitioners prayed for directions to the state to ensure re-opening of all educational institutions and to ensure proper supply of essential commodities and opening of all ration depots.
 The PIL has sought detailed report on any death which had taken place due to non-availability of medicare.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST