Kerala HC slams attacks on Muthoot staff

KOCHI: The high court on Thursday ordered for stopping of talks being held between protesting employees of Muthoot Finance and its management in view of the attacks on employees at several places across the state. The court terms the attacks as ‘goondaism’.
Ordering the halting of talks being held following the court’s directive, Justice A Muhamed Mustaque said the attacks allegedly carried out by supporters of the employees on strike on other employees while the talks are going on amounts to arrogance. The court cannot countenance talks and attacks going on at the same time, the judge said.
The court is considering petitions filed by the management and employees willing to work seeking police protection. On Thursday, counsel representing the management and the willing employees cited attacks that occurred at Kochi, Kottayam, and Kattappana.
Following this, the court said the acts allegedly committed by the union equals to ‘goondaism’. The protesters are crossing all limits and innocent employees, including women, are being attacked on the streets.
Further, the court asked the state government what action was being taken against the protesters following the attacks. The government replied that cases have been registered. The court has scheduled a hearing after 10 days.