Madras High Court’s illegal label ends nurses’ stir

Passing interim orders on a plea moved by N Ganesh of Avadi seeking to stall the strike, the first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar said, “The strike called by those engaged in providing essential services calls for stern action. We thus deem it appropriate to declare the strike illegal.”

The bench also said, “If any member refrains from attendingwork shall do so at his or her own risk of consequences thereof, including termination of their employment and gross penalisation for contempt of court.”

However, the bench on directing the Advocate General not to initiate coercive action if they return to work on Thursday also sought the Government to resume negotiations for the immediate improvement of their service conditions and in particular the enhancement of the remuneration paid to the nurses appointed under a scheme.

Posting the case to January 2 for further hearing, the bench also directed the state to file a status report on the outcome of the negotiation.