High Court raps unions, issues directions for PGI’s smooth functioning

Chandigarh, February 5

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Acting on a petition filed by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), the Punjab and Haryana High Court today made it clear that “unions” would remain bound by earlier directions on ensuring the institute’s smooth functioning.

In the petition against the Union Government and other respondents placed before the Bench of Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji, PGIMER’s senior counsel Amit Jhanji with advocate Abhishek Kumar Premi contended the high court had repeatedly issued directions to prevent disruption in the institute’s functioning at the hands of the contract employees.

It was submitted that fresh unions were being formed to bypass the earlier orders. It was being done at the instance of respondent – Ashwani Kumar Munjal, Chairman, Joint Action Committee of PGI Contract Workers Union. It was pointed out that he had already retired from the service.

Yet, he was creating hindrances and influencing contract workers. It is also pointed out a Single Judge, vide order dated June 23, 2020, had directed in case of strike, those involved might be immediately arrested. Issuing notice of motion, the Bench directed that the respondents would be bound by the earlier directions. In case of violation, it would be open to take steps in accordance with law “so that the functioning of the premier institute is not affected in any manner”. It was also directed that Munjal would not be allowed to enter the premises of the institute.