IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE DEVAN RAMACHANDRAN
THURSDAY, THE 07TH DAY OF JANUARY 2021 / 17TH POUSHA, 1942
WP(C).No.21245 OF 2020(E)
PETITIONERS:
1 MOHANAN NAIR K.
AGED 56 YEARS
PULIPRA VEEDU, PUTHENCHANTHA P.O, VALLIKUNNAM,
ALAPPUZHA-690 501.
2 C. BOSE,
S/O. CHARLES, ABHILASH BHAVANAM, THEKKUMURI,
KIZHAKKEKKALLADA, KOLLAM.
3 SATHEESH KUMAR P,
S/O. PARAMESWARAN P, CHARUVILA PUTHENVEEDU,
NEDUVATHOOR, NEELESWARAM P.O, KOLLAM.
4 SUNIL KUMAR S,
S/O. SUDHAKARAN P, MOLU BHAVAN, VADAKKUM BHAGOM,
CHAVARA SOUTH,KOLLAM.
5 JAYAPRASAD T,
S/O. THENKAPPAN PILLAI, KALATHIVILA, MUTHUPILAKKADU
WEST, PORUVAZHY P.O, KOLLAM.
6 ALEXANDER JACOB,
S/O. C. JACOB, KALLUVILA PADINJATTATHIL, PALAMUKKU,
KANNALLOOR P.O, THRIKKOVILVATTOM, KOLLAM.
7 HARILAL G,
S/O. GOPINATHAN, SREEMAHADEV, MULAVANA P.O, KUNDRA,
KOLLAM.
8 R. SANTHOSH,
S/O. K. RAGHAVAN, LATHIKA K. RAGHAVAN, LATHIKA
SADANAM, AVANEESWARAM R S P.O, KOLLAM.
9 ALEXANDER P.K,
S/O. KOCHUMMAN C, PACHANKULATH VEEDU, PANAVELIL P.O,
KOLLAM.
10 GOPALAKRISHNA PILLAI G,
S/O. GOPINATHAN PILLAI, ARYA BHAVAN, KOKKAD P.O,
KOLLAM.
WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020
2
11 SUNIL ABRAHAM,
S/O. ABRAHAM, THAVARCOAT, PADINJATTATHIL VEEDU,
KOTTAVATTOM P.O, KOLLAM.
12 BABURAJAN PILLAI,
S/O. KUNJAN PILLAI, SREEJA BHAVAN, IRUMPANANGAD
P.O, KOLLAM.
13 RAVEENDRAN PILLAI P,
S/O. PARAMESHWARAN PILLAI, RESHMA BHAVAN, VAIKKAL
P.O,KOLLAM.
14 SUNIL KUMAR,
S/O. SUDHAKARAN PILLAI, ALEMKODE PUTHENVILA ,
PADINJATTATHIL VEEDU, KOOTTUKKAL P.O, KOLLAM.
15 BAIJU,
S/O. VASUDEVAN, KATTIDATHIL VEEDU, ARIPPA,
CHOZIYAKKODE P.O,KOLLAM.
16 SUBI R,
W/O. BINU, CHARUVILA VEEDU, THOLIUMBA BHAGAM,
CHITHARA P.O, KOLLAM.
17 K. SASIKUMAR,
S/O. KRISHNAPILLAI, AMAL VIHAR, EDAVATTOM,
KARUVELIL P.O, KOLLAM.
18 JOHNSON,
S/O. PHILIP, PUTHAN BANGLAV, KARIMTHOTTUVA P.O,
KUNNATHOOR EAST, KOLLAM.
19 SASIKUMAR K,
MAYOOR NIVAS, SRP MARKET P.O,KOLLAM.
20 P.K. PREMA RAJ,
S/O. VASUNDARAN, BABU MANDIRAM, MUKKUD P.O, KOLLAM.
21 RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR J,
S/O. JANARDHANAN NAIR, PELLATHU VADAKKATHIL,
PUTHANAMBALAM P.O, IVARKALA SOUTH, KOLLAM.
22 M. AJAYAKUMAR,
S/O. MURALEEDHARAN PILLAI R, AJAYA BHAVANAM,
KARUVELIP .O, KOLLAM.
23 Y. THOMAS,
MAVILA PUTHENVEEDU, MARANADU P.O, PAVITHRESWARAM,
KOLLAM-691505
WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020
3
24 G. BABU,
KOTTOORPUTHENVEEDU, MADAPPALLY, MUKUNDAPURAM,
CHAVARA, KOLLAM-691 585
25 RAVINDRAN PILLAI N,
NANDANAM, KADUVINAL P.O, VALLIKUNNAM, ALAPPUZHA-690
501.
26 THULASEEDHARAN PILLAI K,
MINNARAM, NJAKKANAL P.O, OACHIRA, KOLLAM-690 526
27 MOHANAN PILLAI T,
KODIYATTUVADAKKATHIL, ANAYADI P.O, SOORANAD NORTH,
KOLLAM-690 561
28 CHANDRAN PILLAI B,
ANJALI NIVAS, PUTHENCHANTHA P.O, VALLIKUNNAM,
ALAPPUZHA-690 501
29 SREEKUMAR,
VALLIYATHU, SASTHAMKOTTA, MYNAGAPALLY, VENGA,
KOLLAM-690 521
30 RAVEENDRAN PILLAI,
PANAYILPUTHENVEEDU, KOTTAKKAKOM ,PERINAD
P.O,THRIKKADAVOOR, KOLLAM-691 601.
31 JOHN K. J,
RINO BHAVANAM, NJAKKANAL P.O, OACHIRA, ALAPPUZHA-
690 533
32 RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI C,
THAMARASSERIL, THURUTHIKKARA, KUNNATHUR, KOLLAM-690
540
33 MADHUMOHAN PILLAI R,
ABHIRAM, EDAKKAD, PORUVAZHY, KOLLAM-691 552
34 RAJAN PILLAI B,
KOTTAKKAKATHU VEEDU, KADATHOOR P.O, THAZHAVA,
KOLLAM-690 523
35 PRAKASHAN PILLAI,
PRAKASH BHAVAN, PUTHENCHANTHA P.O, VELLKUNNAM-690
501, ALAPPUZHA.
36 HARIKUMAR,
SREERAGAM, MUTHUPILAKKADU WEST, SASTHAMKOTTA,
WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020
4
KOLLAM-690 520
37 PAPPACHAN P,
THENGUTHUNDIKIZHAKKATHIL, VADAKKEMURI, PORUVAZHU,
CHATHAKULAM, KOLLAM-690 520
38 RADHAKRISHNA PILLAI V,
NAMBYARAYYATHU VADAKKATHIL, PAYYANALLOOR P.O,
PALAMEL, NOORANAD, ALAPPUZHA-690 504
39 SIVASANKARAN NAIR,
MAVULLATHIL, PADINJATTAKIZHAKKU, SOORANADU NORTH,
KOLLAM-690 561
40 RAJENDRAN PILLAI,
VELOORETHU VEEDU, KUNNATHUR WEST, KUNNATHUR,
KOLLAM-690540
41 MAHADEVAN NAIR,
KALLELAZHIKATHUTHUNDIL VEEDU, KOICKALMURRI,
KIZHAKKEKALLADA, KOLLAM-691 502
42 MANIKUTTAN NAIR,
VIPANCHIKA, PAZHAYATTUMURRI, KIZHAKKEKALLADA,
KOLLAM-691 502
43 JIJIMON G,
AMBADI, PIRAMALA, PUNNALA, KOLLAM-689 696
44 D. RAVIKUMAR,
NANDANAM, PUNNALA P.O, KARIMPALLOOR, KOLLAM-689 696
45 CHANDRASEKHARA PILLAI R,
S/O. RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI, ILAVUMOOTILVEEDU,
MANAMPUZHA, KUNNATHUR, KOLLAM.
46 BIJU G,
S/O. GOPI C, ADINAD, KOLLAM-690 542
47 UDAYABABU,
UDAYAMANDIRAM, MARANADU, VAITHARUMUKKU,
PAVITHRESWARAM, EZHUKONE, KOLLAM.
48 RENNY GEORGE,
S/O. C. GEORGEKUTTY, PARAVILA VEEDU, KARAKKAL,
ARKKANNOOR P.O, VELINALLOOR, AYUR, KOLLAM.
49 REGHUNATHAN K,
S/O. KUMARAN, ARUNIMA,THODIYOOR, THAZHAVA P.O.,
WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020
5
KOLLAM.
50 MOHANAN N,
S/O.NANU, CHAMAVILA, KURUMANDAL, PARAVUR, KOLLAM-
691301
BY ADVS.
SRI.E.A.JOSE
SRI.K.G.GOPAKUMAR
SMT.K.N.NAZEERA
RESPONDENTS:
1 THE CHIEF MANAGING DIRECTOR BHARATH SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED, HEAD OFFICE, SANCHAR BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110001 2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, BHARATH SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED, BSNL BHAVAN, VELLAYITTAMBALAM, KOLLAM DISTRICT, PIN-691 012 3 THE REGIONAL LABOUR COMMISSIONER (CENTRAL) KENDRIYA SHRAM SADAN, OOLIMUGHAL, KAKKANAD P.O, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT-682030 4 THE ASSISTANT LABOUR COMMISSIONER (CENTRAL), T.C. NO. 25/3534, SHARON, UPPALAM ROAD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 001 5 M/S. DEVIKA SECURITY SERVICES, REPRESENTED BY ITS PROPRIETOR, KRISHNAN NAIR B, KADAKKAL P.O, KOLLLAM-691 536 R1-2 BY ADV. SRI.SAJI VARGHESE R3-4 BY ADV. SRI.J.VISHNU R5 BY ADV. SRI.C.R.SIVAKUMAR R5 BY ADV. SMT.GAYATHRI V NAIR SRI. P.VIJAYAKUMAR - ASGI THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 07.01.2021, ALONG WITH WP(C).21283/2020(I), THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE DEVAN RAMACHANDRAN THURSDAY, THE 07TH DAY OF JANUARY 2021 / 17TH POUSHA, 1942 WP(C).No.21283 OF 2020(I) PETITIONERS:
1 SIVAKUMAR S.
AGED 41 YEARS
GEETHABHAVAN, VENPAKAL ATHIYANNUR (CT) THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.
2 GOPAKUMAR K, S/O KRISHNA PILLAI, KRISHNA VILASAM, VENGANOOR P.O.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 3 RAJAN R, ASWATHY BHAVAN, THOPPUVILA, KODANGAVILA P.O.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 4 SAJU B, S/O P. BELSON, SEEMONBHAVAN, MAVALLOOR, THADATHINKARA, KARIYAVATTOM,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 5 AJAYAKUMAR R, AJAYABHAVAN, MANIKANDESWARAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 6 PRIJITH, KUNNUVILA VEEDU, MATHURAKODE, VADASSERIKONAM, OTTOOR, CHEMMARUTHY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 7 GOPAKUMAR S, GEETHABHAVAN, ERUVAIKONAM, PTP NAGAR, VENPAKAL, ATHIYANNUR PART, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 8 SANU V.G, S/O VASANTHARAJAN, GIRIJA VILASOM, KARUMKULAM, PARUTHIYARA P.O.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 9 RAJU K, ROSE COTTAGE, ALUNINNAKUZHI , KANNARAVILA, NELLIMOODU P.O.KOTTUKKAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 10 SHIBU T.M, WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 7 S/O THANKAPPAN, 18/152 MADATHILVILAKAM, VALIKONAM, THONNAKKAL PO.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 11 SHAIJU C.S, S/O SWARNAKARAN, KRISHNA NIVAS, THOTTAVARAM, ATTINGAL P.O.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 12 RENJITH B, S/O BHUVANACHANDRAN, PANAYILVEEDU, MANANLAKAM, KUDAVOOR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 13 KIRAN KUMAR P, PALLIPATTU VEEDU, VADAKKUMBHAGOM, KZHAKKOOTAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 14 JOSEKUTTY Y, THEKKECHERUVILA, VIZHAVOOR, VILAVOORKKAL, MALAYAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 15 SUDHARSHANAKUMAR C, S/O CHELLAPPAN PILLAI, DARSHANAN 99A, THACHOTTUKAVU, MALAYANKEEZHU, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 16 SIVAPRASAD B.N., S/O NEELAKANDAN, MANASAM, VADACODU, PERUMPAZHUTHOOR P.O.NEYYATTINKARA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 17 SYAMLAL J.S, S/O JOSE, SYAM NIVAS, RUSSELPURAM, MARANALLOOR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 18 SHAJI M, S/O SARADA K, MELEPATTAKUDIVEEDU, KODANGAVILA P.O.ATHIYANNUR (CT) THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 19 R. SANTHOSH KUMAR, AMBALATHADIPADIPPURA VEDDU, KANNAMKUZHI, NEYYATTINKARA, AMARAVILA THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 20 SAJITH KUMAR B.S, S/O BALAN K, TC 65/600 SHYLA BHAVAN, MADATHILNADA, THIRUVALLOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 21 PRADEEPKUMAR M, S/O V. MANIKANTAN NAIR , TC 14/16566-1 HOUSE NO D.78, REVATHY, FOREST OFFICE LANE VAZHUTHAKADU, THYCAUD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 22 ANILKUMAR R, WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 8 S/O RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI, ANIZHAM, CHIRAYINKONAM, ANAND, NEDUMANGAD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 23 SATHEESH S, S/O SAMKUTTY, PAZHAYATTHUMELEPUTHENVEEDU, VADAKARA, MARAYAMUTTOM, PERUMKADAVILA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 24 N. VELAPPAN NAIR, S/O NEELAKANDA PILLAI, ARYA BHAVAN, POTTIKUNNU, VITHURA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 25 AKHIL C.P, S/O CHANDRASEKHARAN NAIR, CHANDRA VILASAM, PEYKKAMOOLA, PACHA P.O.NANNIYODU, PALODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 26 SUNIL KUMAR K, EDAVAKATHU VEEDU VENKAVILA, INNCHAYAM P.O.ANAND, PAZHAKUTTY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 27 GOPAKUMAR K.M, AJITHANIVAS, VETTAMBALLY, IRICHAYAM, ANAND, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 28 M.S.NIRMAL KUMAR, MANJU BHAVAN 04/1012, PUNCHAKKARI, THIRUVALLOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 29 ARUN R.P, PLAVILA VEEDU, VELLAYANI, NEMAM, KALLIYOOR,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 30 S. SREEBU, S/O S BABU, VILAYIL VEEDU, PARAYATHUKONAM, KIZHUVALLOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 31 ANILKUMAR T.R, S/O A M THAMPI, GEETHABHAVAN, PAVUKONAM, POTHENKODE P.O.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 32 GOPAN P, S/O PADMARAJAN NAIR, SOORYASAGARAM, HARIMUKHAM LANE, KALATHUKAL, KARAKULAM P.O.ARUVIKKARA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 33 MADHUSOODANAN NAIR B, S/O BALAKRISHNAN NAIR, TC 54/1728(1) WARAKA, CHEMMANUVILA, PAPPANAMKODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 9 34 B. MOHANAKUMAR, S/O P BHASKARAN NAIR, VAISHNANVAM, KUNDUMON BHAGOM, VALIYAVILA, THIRUMALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 35 K.MURUKESHAN NAIR, S/O KARUNAKARAN NAIR P, VASANTHASADANAM, MULLOOR P.O.VIZHINJAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 36 ASHOKAN R, THURUTHIYIL COLONY VEEDU, TC 67/110 PANATHURA, PACHALLOOR,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM BY ADVS.
SRI.E.A.JOSE SRI.K.G.GOPAKUMAR SMT.K.N.NAZEERA RESPONDENTS:
1 THE CHIEF MANAGING DIRECTOR BHARATH SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED, HEAD OFFICE, SANCHAR BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110 001.
2 THE PRINCIPAL GENERAL MANAGER, BHARATH SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, BSNL BHAVAN, UPPALAM ROAD, STATUE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT,PIN-695 001.
3 THE REGIONAL LABOUR COMMISSIONER, (CENTRAL), KENDRIYA SHRAM SADAN, OOLIMUGHAL, KAKKANAD P.O., ERNAKULAM DISTRICT-682 030.
4 THE ASSISTANT LABOUR COMMISSIONER (CENTRAL), T.C NO 25/3534, SHARON, UPPALAM ROAD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 001.
5 BHARATHEEYAM SECURITY SERVICES, 29, VGP RAJESH NAGAR, 1ST MAIN ROAD, NARAYANAPURAM, PALLIKARANAI, CHENNAI-600100., REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGER.
6 MEE GUARDS INFO SERVICES, TC 24/427, OPPOSITE PRS APARTMENT, THYCAUD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 014, REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGER.
R1-2 BY ADV. SRI.SAJI VARGHESE THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 07.01.2021, ALONG WITH WP(C).21245/2020(E), THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 10 JUDGMENT The petitioners in these two cases, which have been heard together on account of the analogous factual circumstances pleaded and the similarity in the reliefs sought - are stated to be the workers employed by respondent No.5 in W.P(C)No.21245 of 2020 and respondent Nos.5 and 6 in W.P(C)No.21283 of 2020, for the Bharath Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL for short), at various places.
2. The petitioners submit that even though they have been employed by the afore mentioned respondents - Contractors and by the BSNL validly, they have not been paid their wages and therefore, that they have approached the Regional Labour Commissioner (Central), Ernakulam, with representations seeking that their grievances be taken note of and appropriate orders issued. They, therefore, pray that the said Authority be WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 11 directed to take up their representations and dispose of the same; or in the alternative, that the BSNL be directed to pay their salary and other eligible allowances without any further delay.
3. In response to the afore submissions made on behalf of the petitioners by their learned counsel, Shri.K.G.Gopakumar, the learned Standing Counsel for the BSNL, Smt.Saji Varghese, submitted that the delay in payment of wages by his client is not deliberate or wilful, but only because they are now going through extreme financial crisis. He submitted that if the petitioners are agreeable, the balance wages and other benefits will be paid to them in 4 equal monthly instalments commencing from 10th February, 2021.
4. On hearing Shri.Saji Varghese as afore, Shri.K.G.Gopakumar submitted that if WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 12 the BSNL is serious about their commitment as suggested above, his clients will accept the same, taking note of the financial constraints stated by them.
5. Shri.C.R.Sivakumar, learned counsel appearing for the 5th respondent in W.P(C)No.21245 of 2020, submits that his client is also favouring the petitioners and that they are entitled to be paid their eligible wages by the BSNL. He, therefore, prays that this writ petition be ordered as sought for by them.
In the afore circumstances and for the reasons, I order this writ petition and direct respondents 1 and 2 in both these cases to pay the balance accrued wages and other benefits in 4 equal monthly instalments, commencing from 10th February, 2021 without fail.
Needless to say, the salary for the month WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 13 of February and for the future months as long as the petitioners are engaged, will also be paid by the BSNL in time and without default.
Sd/-
DEVAN RAMACHANDRAN JUDGE MC/7.1.2021 WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 14 APPENDIX OF WP(C) 21245/2020 PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:
EXHIBIT P1 PHOTOSTAT COPY OF REPRESENTATION FILED BY THE PETITIONERS BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT DATED 24.09.2020 EXHIBIT P2 PHOTOSTAT COPY OF REPRESENTATOIN FILED BY THE PETITIONERS BEFORE THE 4TH RESPONDENT DATED 24.09.2020.
EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF JUDGEMENT IN W.P.(C)NO.
26781/2019 DATED 11.11.2019. EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF JUDGMENT IN W.P.(C)NO.35630 OF 2019 DATED 6.1.2020.
EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF JUDGEMENT IN W.P.(C) NO.
8089/2020 DATED 20.03.2020. RESPONDENT'S/S EXHIBITS:
ANNEXURE 1 TRUE COPY OF THE SUMMONS NO.PW-CA-02/2020/ RLC/TVM ISSUED BY THE RLC TVM TO THE OPPOSITE PARTIES IN CLAIM APPLICATION PENDING BEOFRE IT UNDER PAYMENT OF WAGES ACT, DATED 13.11.2020 ANNEXURE - 2 TRUE COPY OF THE SUMMONS NO.PW-CA-
03/2020/RLC/TVM ISSUED BY THE RLC TVM TO THE OPPOSITE PARTIES IN CLAIM APPLICATION PENDING BEFORE IT UNDER PAYMENT OF WAGES ACT, 13.11.2020 ANNEXURE 3 TRUE COPY OF THE SUMMONS NO.PW-CA-
09/2020/RLC/TVM ISSUED BY THE RLC TVM TO THE OPPOSITE PARTIES IN CLAIM APPLICATION PENDING BEFORE IT UNDER PAYMENT OF WAGES ACT, DATED 13.11.2020 WP(C) Nos.21245 & 21283/2020 15 APPENDIX OF WP(C) 21283/2020 PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:
EXHIBIT P1 PHOTOSTAT OF COPY OF REPRESENTATION FILED BY THE PETITIONERS BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT DATED 7.9.2020 EXHIBIT P2 PHOTOSTAT OF COPY OF REPRESENTATION FILED BY THE PETITIONERS BEFORE THE 4TH RESPONDENT DATED 7.9.2020 EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN WPC NO 30 OF 2020 DATED 14.1.2020 RESPONDENT'S/S EXHIBITS:
NIL MC (TRUE COPY) PA TO JUDGE