Jabalpur: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has reprimanded the Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), D.P. Ahuja, and Chief Engineer R.K. Mehra for not adhering to its previous orders. Both officials were issued a bailable warrant of contempt by the court. The division bench of Justice A.K. Singh asked them to appear before the court on February 17.
It is based on a petition filed by the General Secretary of the Employees’ Union Nandlal Ahirwar seeking the implementation of minimum wage along with dearness allowance. Last month, the High Court had told the employees should be entitled to at least minimum wages as stipulated in law. The PWD officials, however, have put the order into effect but have not followed the court order.
Later, the PWD Secretary and Chief Engineer were issued bailable warrant by the High Court after they failed to heed warnings repeatedly. Gush, head of the court’s office, said the court’s strong stance followed because reiterated intervals of non-adherence to judicial orders constitute depravation of the rule of law.
Fair wages and benefits organizations have existed for a long time, as many organizations fight for their rightful dues. To protect workers’ rights, it is in line with labor laws to seek proper compensation for the petitioner.
All eyes are now turned towards the PWD officials and what response they will eventually give on the next hearing scheduled for February 17 and whether they will comply with the court’s directive. It also is a reminder that government officials have to follow legal orders or else pay for it with heavy penalties.
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