Kochi: The High Court on Monday directed the state government to ensure attendance of officers and staff during Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.
A bench, comprising Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice A M Shaffique, issued the order on a PIL by one Nimisha K of the city complaining about non-participation of a large number of government employees in the celebrations.
The court asked the state to implement circular and directions issued by it regarding participation of government employees on national day celebrations in its true spirit.
It said if the directions were not implemented, appropriate penal measures should be taken. The state government informed the court that it had issued a circular on November 5, 2015 compelling the presence of government employees at their offices during the national day celebrations. The court said the directions will be applicable to government employees, educational institutions, including aided, and state public sector units.