Gauhati HC asks govt to not take any unfair steps against tea companies

GUWAHATI: Gauhati High Court (HC) has asked that no coercive action be taken against the tea companies as well as the association for failing to comply with the wage revision notice of the tea workers in Assam.

 

Recently BJP led government in Assam expanded the regular wages of tea employees from Rs 167 to Rs 217.

 

Following which Indian Tea Association and 17 other tea planters have moved high Court.

 

Justice Michael Zothankhuma directed, "The State respondents shall not take any disciplinary action against the petitioners in pursuant to the impugned Notification dated 23.02.2021 till the next date."

 

ALSO READ: Breaking: 3 ULFA Pro-Talk Leaders Arrested For Plot To Assassinate Himanta Biswa…

 

“Heard Mr. P. K. Goswami, learned Senior counsel for the petitioners, who submits that the impugned Notification dated 23.02.2021, issued by the Principal Secretary, Government of Assam, Labour Welfare Department, enhancing the minimum wage by an interim amount of Rs. 50 per day w.e.f. 22.02.2021 till finalization of revised minimum wages, in terms of the State Amendment to Section 5(1)(a) of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, is illegal, inasmuch as, no Committee/Sub-Committees have been formed as required under Section 5(1)(a) and Section 9 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948,” the court stated.

 

Mr. D. Mazumdar, learned Additional Advocate General, Assam, prays that the matter may be heard on another date so that he can obtain instructions in this regard, the further added.

 

The matter is listed for next hearing on March 15.