The high court in Srinagar on Friday heard a public interest litigation (PIL) asking the government to ensure strict implementation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against protesting employees.
The PIL was filed by advocate Reyaz Khan and Basher Dar before a division bench headed by justice Yaqoob Mir and justice Hasnain Masoodi. The PIL argued that the common man is suffering because of the employees' strike, from hospitals to ration depots.
"It seems the government and the employees leaders are hand in glove. It's the common man who is suffering. The strike should be resolved as soon as possible and the ESMA should be implemented strictly…so far ESMA seems mere eye wash," said the advocates in the petition.
The division bench has asked the government to explain the steps taken to mitigate the suffering of the masses. It also asked the government to ensure uninterrupted essential services.