UP govt extends Act banning strikes in public services for six months

The Yogi Adityanath government on Thursday extended the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in the state of Uttar Pradesh, banning strikes in public services, corporations and local authorities for six months. Furthermore, the Act gives the police powers to arrest without a warrant for violation of its provisions.

As per the Act formulated in 1966, anyone who instigates a strike deemed illegal under the Act maybe can be punished with imprisonment of up to a year or a fine of up to Rs 1000 or both.

An official statement clarified that strikes have been banned with immediate effect in all public services controlled by the state government.