THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Facing a setback from the High Court, the state government has moved the Supreme Court against the High Court stay on the government’s Salary Challenge aimed at resource mobilisation for flood relief. The Apex Court will consider the appeal on Monday. The Chief Justice accepted the state government’s plea to consider the appeal immediately and posted it for hearing on October 29.
As part of the challenge, the state government had asked its employees to contribute one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund for rebuilding the state. The government also asked those who are unwilling to take part in the challenge to submit ‘no consent’ letters.
The manner in which the Salary Challenge was implemented had invited criticism from various corners. A section of employees later moved the court, following which the High Court temporarily barred the government from collecting ‘no consent’ letters from employees. In its verdict, a two-member bench opined the government order appeared to be compelling in nature. After the High Court put a temporary ban on the state government’s move, the state sought legal advice from the Advocate General on possible ways to overturn the stay.