Allahabad High Court Allows Indian Express And Its Workmen To Settle The Dispute Pertaining To Deduction Of Wages During The Pandemic Period 

In a petition filed by the workmen of Indian Express against the deduction of wages during the pandemic period, the Allahabad High Court has directed the prescribed authority under Working Journalists and other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955 to refer the dispute to Labour Court within a stipulated time in accordance with provisions of the said Act for its determination. The court further stated that the employer is also at liberty to have a meeting with its workmen, who have supported their employer during the Covid-19 pandemic, to settle the dispute with regard to the deduction of salary, and if possible, refund proximate money to them.  

The court further refused to quash the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification dated 29.03.2020 which required that the district magistrate shall take measures that all the employees, be it in industry or in the shops and commercial establishments, shall make payment of wages of their workers, at their workplaces, on the due date, without any deduction, for the period their establishments are under closure during the lockdown.