The Delhi High Court has directed law enforcement authorities to decide by Monday on allocating an alternative site for the United Forum of Bank Unions Delhi State to hold a three-day peaceful demonstration next week.
Justice Amit Mahajan issued the order on Friday after counsel representing the authorities opposed granting permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar, arguing that holding the gathering there could trigger a law-and-order situation. The court instructed the administration to review the union’s request for a substitute location and convey its final decision to the petitioners by Monday.
Judicial Push For Administrative Resolution
During the hearing, the court criticized the need for the organizers to seek judicial intervention simply to secure a venue. Justice Mahajan remarked that the authorities ought to provide an alternate space rather than forcing citizens to approach the court for such matters.
The direction came on a petition moved by the United Forum of Bank Unions Delhi State, an umbrella federation representing multiple banking sector trade unions as well as the majority of bank officers and staff engaged in service condition talks. The body had approached the high court seeking clearance from the Central Government and the Delhi Police to hold a peaceful sit-in between September 28 and September 30, either at Jantar Mantar or another suitable area in the national capital.
Union Alleges Prior Agitations Were Sabotaged
In its submission, the union stated that officials had failed to respond to its latest request for demonstration clearance. The petitioner further claimed that the administration had previously rejected permissions for protests scheduled on September 11 and September 18 at the final moment without justification, alleging that those eleventh-hour cancellations were intended to disrupt the employees’ planned agitation.
Nationwide Strike And Core Demands
The planned demonstration in the capital coincides with a broader three-day nationwide bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions from September 28 to September 30.
The agitation centers on several major workforce demands, most notably the implementation of a five-day banking week. The union is also seeking upgraded and enhanced pension payouts, a standardized dearness allowance formula applicable to all retired personnel, and an option allowing staff enrolled under the National Pension System to transition into the Old Pension Scheme.
