Salary Challenge: Blow to govt as HC criticizes compulsory collection

Kochi: The state government was dealt a blow by the High Court when it came down heavily on the 'Salary Challenge' drive by the state government and its arms.

The court said that the compulsory collection of salary amounts to extortion of employees. The court said that the government should not seize the salary like private banks make revenue recovery. The court's criticism came while considering a plea filed against the order of Travancore Devaswom Board (TBD) which said a month's salary of the employees will be deducted towards flood disaster fund. TBD had issued mandatory orders to this effect in line with the government's directive

It is not fair to seize salary through orders. Even the chief minister had only asked all to co-operate by giving a month's salary. He didn't ask for compulsory collection. In such a situation, compulsory collection is extortion. The High Court made it clear that the government should accept the amount which the employees may give. It also asked the Devaswom Board to amend the order. The Board agreed to consider amending the order and revert to the court on Tuesday. The court posted further hearing for Tuesday.

In the plea filed by Travancore Devaswom Board Employees Front, the employees had asked to repeal the order to collect a month's salary. The plea alleged that the order was released without prior notice or discussion with employee unions.

Although the HC comment directly is only against the TDB, the comment is of general nature on the principle, and therefore by implication it is bound to impact the government's order to apply it to all its departments. Further TDS's decision is also based on government decision.