A complaint has been filed before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding violations of the human rights of the general public due to the disruption of essential public services caused by an indefinite strike by the employees of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC).
The complainant alleged severe disruptions of essential public transport services across several districts of Telangana, including Hyderabad, Ranga, Reddy, and Sangareddy. It was asserted that the Road Transport Corporation employees were on strike and were demanding the absorption of employees into government service, among other things. The complaint stated that bus services across the State had been halted and that passengers were facing several hardships as a result.
It was contended that the inaction and negligence of the Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation, Transport Department, State of Telangana, and the Labour Department, Government of Telangana had directly impacted the citizens’ fundamental rights envisaged under Articles 21 and 19(1)(d) of the Constitution. The complainant also asserted that the private transport operators were looting the public through exorbitant charges.
It was mentioned that the strike contravened the Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1981, and raised concerns under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The complaint noted that no alternative arrangements were made to ensure continuity of transport services, and that citizens were being exploited by costly private transport options.
The complainant prayed NHRC to take cognizance of the matter and to initiate an inquiry into the disruption of essential transport services, apart from constituting an independent committee to resolve the demand of the TSRTC employees. The complainant sought directions for the respondents to restore bus services and to ensure that they are not disrupted in the future. A recommendation was sought for action to be taken against the authorities responsible, in addition to directions for developing a framework regarding such strikes.
Appearances:
Complainant – Adv. Y. Balachander Reddy
National Human Rights Commission Click here