Don’t stop those ready to work: Delhi HC to civic staff

Uncleaned garbage can result in outbreak of diseases. AP Photo

The Delhi High Court has directed the agitating sanitation workers of North and East civic bodies not to obstruct those workers who are willing to carry out their assigned duties. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar told the workers that uncleaned garbage could result in the outbreak of diseases such as dengue. The bench passed the directions while hearing a plea that sought directions to authorities to ensure that the workers of EDMC and North DMC — on strike since October 11 and October 16 — end their strike.

On Tuesday, the counsel for MCD, Monica Arora informed the court that some workers were obstructing other workers from discharging their duties. “Safai karamcharis shall ensure that they seriously carry out the assigned duties of MCDs and no obstruction shall be caused,” said the bench adding, “…Therefore, there can be no stoppage of essential work of cleaning and removal of garbage. Doing so imperils lives of public at large.”

The counsel for Delhi government submitted a report stating that the government had provided 100 per cent of the revenue share due to EDMC and 73 per cent of the share to North DMC. Seeking adjournment till October 25, the counsel said the meeting of the Fifth Finance Commission was to be held on October 24.