Kochi: A plea has been filed in the HC challenging the indefinite strike being staged on the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) campus at Kalamassery by the Cochin University Employees Association against the suspension of four of its senior members over alleged misappropriation and malpractice in connection with the recruitment of a sweeper-cum-cleaner.
The petition, filed by Kurian Biju, a university syndicate member representing students, stated that the strike began on Oct 10 and continued even after a month. He alleged that association members participating in the indefinite strike sign the attendance register every morning before leaving their seats and taking out a protest march through the verandas on all three floors of the administrative block. They then assemble at a protest pandal erected in front of the building and remain there for the rest of the working day. The petitioner further alleged that a large number of students visiting the university to obtain certificates and other services were being turned away without assistance, thereby losing valuable opportunities. Meanwhile, the protesting employees were marked present for duty and continued to draw their full salaries without performing any work.
The petitioner sought a directive to the university to treat the period during which the employees abstained from duty in connection with the strike as dies non under Rule 14A of Part I of the Kerala Service Rules, and to withhold the salary and allowances for that period, recovering any amounts already paid. He also sought a direction prohibiting protest marches, demonstrations or gatherings inside the administrative block, including its verandas on all floors, during working hours. The court will consider the petition on Thursday.