HC stops BSES contractual workers from disrupting power supply

Power supply in various parts of south, central and west Delhi were hit, with people experiencing blackouts for several hours, due to alleged sabotage by the striking contractual workers of the discom.

Delhi High Court today restrained contractual employees of BSES Rajdhani Pvt Ltd (BRPL) from holding any dharna or demonstration within a 100 metre radius of its offices and also prohibited them from obstructing the functioning of the discom or disrupting power supply.

Justice Mukta Gupta granted the ex-parte relief to BRPL after it moved court apprehending disruption of power supply owing to demonstrations or sabotage by members of Delhi Vidyut Board Employees Union who are working on contract with the discom.

BRPL told the court that recently power supply in various parts of south, central and west Delhi were hit, with people experiencing blackouts for several hours, due to alleged sabotage by the striking contractual workers of the discom.

It said that these workers could disrupt power supply of the entire national capital and sought that they be restrained from interfering with the functioning of the discom in any manner.

The court, thereafter, restrained the protesting members of the Delhi Vidyut Board Employees Union from holding gate meetings, demonstrations, dharnas and from undertaking any disruptive or obstructive activity against BRPL and or itsofficers and employees within and around 100 metre radius of its offices.

It also restrained them from disrupting the power supply in any manner.

The court issued notices to the union and sought its reply on the application moved by BRPL before next date of hearing on July 20.

A BRPL spokesperson said, "A disciplinary action was initiated against a few of our employees (and contractual staff) for gross indiscipline and violating high service standards of the organisation. Unfortunately in reaction, a few of the disgruntled contractual employees have resorted to illegal disruption of work at certain places in South and West Delhi. The situation has been largely brought under control by active cooperation of majority of our employees and the police."