HC issues warrants against EO MC for withholding salary

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, June 14: High Court has issued bailable warrants against the Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal for not implementing the court judgment whereby he along with other officials was directed to release the salary of employees for which they have worked.
Seven employees have approached the court with the grievance that they are without salary from 2018 till date despite the fact that they are continuously rendering their services to the respondents. Advocate Saima Mehboob appearing on their behalf submitted before the court that despite clear cut court directions the contemnors are reluctant to release their legitimate salary which is not only defiance of court order on behalf of the contemnors but also the petitioners are facing financial crunches despite having served to the respondents-contemnors.
The petitioners were engaged in the department in 2009 against the posts including Tax Collector, Khilafwarzi Assistant and Junior Assistant. It is submitted that the petitioners after their appointment have been rendering their services till date, therefore, as stated, in all respects the petitioners are the lawful employees of the respondent department.
“…Registry is directed to issue bailable warrants to be executed through SSP concerned for securing the presence of Executive Officer before the court on the next date of hearing”, Justice Tashi Rabstan directed.
Court while issuing warrants said four weeks last and final opportunity was granted to contemnor-Officer for filing of compliance or remain present in person before the court. But neither the compliance nor the contemnor was present today which prompted the court to secure his presence through bailable warrants.
Court said the petitioners have been discharging their duties ever since their joining the respondent department and the earned salary is the property of an employee and that the right to receive the salary is a fundamental right of an employee as enshrined under Article 19 of the Constitution of India.