Madras HC rejects plea seeking permission for sit-in protest by Tangedco contract workers
The Hindu
The Madras High Court on Thursday (February 27, 2025) dismissed a writ petition filed by an association of contract labourers in the Tangedco seeking a direction to the DGP to consider a plea for granting permission for a sit-in protest.
The Madras High Court on Thursday (February 27, 2025) dismissed a writ petition filed by an association of contract labourers in the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) seeking a direction to the Director General of Police (DGP) to consider a plea for granting permission for a sit-in protest at every district head office, demanding the regularisation of temporary workers.
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan rejected the plea after Government Advocate (criminal side) K.M.D. Muhilan represented the DGP could not grant an omnibus permission for protests across the State and the association would have to necessarily approach the local police in every district since the latter would have to assess the ground situation before granting permission.
In his affidavit, the association secretary C. Balachandar said, Tangedco was functioning with nearly 70% of its manpower being temporary employees, hired on contract basis through private agencies, though it was one of the prime essential services provider to the public at large. He claimed that many temporary workers have been serving for over 20 years for a daily wage of ₹300.
Though these frontline workers offer their services without any fixed working hours and ensure seamless distribution of power even during rains and floods, their long-pending depand to regularise their services remains in a limbo, the deponent complained. He feared that the temporary employees would suffer great losses if the government ends up privatising the power sector.
Therefore, the contract labourers took out a rally from the Marina Beach to the Secretariat on February 28, 2022, to press for their demands. Another protest was also organised in October 2023. They were followed up with multiple meetings with Ministers and government officials but nothing fruitful transpired and hence, they had decided to conduct a sit-in protest on February 28, 2025, he added.
Thousands gather in Kolkata for 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path,' the largest collective Bhagavad Gita recital in India.
PM Modi to lead Lok Sabha debate on Vande Mataram's 150th anniversary on December 8, addressing historical controversies.
Candidates intensify campaigning in Kerala as local body polls approach, highlighting key issues and political stakes before December 9 elections.
Southern Railway introduces special trains and AC coaches to assist passengers affected by IndiGo flight cancellations.
Bihar's Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary acts against paper leaks and illegal mining, emphasizing tough measures and improved policing transparency.
SC, ST activists urge ECI to simplify electoral roll rules and establish assistance camps to protect marginalized voters' rights.
Former CJI Gavai faces community backlash for advocating creamy layer principle in reservation during a lecture at Mumbai University.
Goa nightclub fire kills 25; magisterial probe ordered and FIR filed against owner and GM, says Chief Minister.
China and Russia conduct third joint anti-missile drills in December, emphasizing strategic partnership without targeting third parties.
Kidwai Memorial Institute successfully performs bone marrow transplantation on a child with relapsed kidney cancer.
Lionel Messi's assists lead Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title, celebrating a historic victory with co-owner David Beckham.
A fire at a crowded Goa nightclub kills at least 23, highlighting serious fire safety violations and emergency response challenges.
IndiGo's Hyderabad flight disruptions continue with 115 cancellations on December 7, totaling over 500 in five days.