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The Calcutta High Court has raised concerns over the West Bengal government's directive compelling state employees to participate in the International Yoga Day program. While the state cited a goal of setting a participation record, the court questioned the mandatory nature of the order, emphasizing that employees should not be coerced. The matter is currently under legal review.
What Happened
The Calcutta High Court has scrutinized a directive issued by the West Bengal government that required state employees to participate in the upcoming International Yoga Day program. Justice Amrita Sinha directed the state counsel to seek formal instructions regarding the petition, which challenges the compulsory nature of the order issued by the Chief Secretary.
The Legal Challenge
The State Coordination Committee of the West Bengal Government Employees moved the court against the directive. Represented by Senior Advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, the petitioners argued that the order violates established service rules. The primary contention is that there are no statutory provisions that empower the administration to make participation in such events mandatory for staff.
During the proceedings, the petitioners highlighted that various departments had explicitly instructed employees to register for the event. They argued that while the event is voluntary in nature, the process of implementation has become coercive, effectively making attendance compulsory for the workforce.
The Government’s Position
In response to the court's queries, the Additional Advocate General, Billwadal Bhattacharya, explained that the government's request was driven by an ambition to set a new record for participation, referencing the figures previously achieved by Andhra Pradesh. The state’s counsel also noted that employees have the option to abstain from participating and could approach the court if they faced any negative repercussions for doing so.
Court’s Observation
The court questioned the rationale behind fostering a competitive environment for such participation. While acknowledging the value of initiatives aimed at promoting health and awareness, the bench emphasized the necessity of balancing government objectives with employee rights. Justice Amrita Sinha remarked that the government should not force its employees into participation, noting that they are not to be treated as subordinates with no choice in such matters.
What Investors and Observers May Track
The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for Friday to receive further clarity from the state government. For those monitoring governance and administrative predictability in the state, the key monitorable is the final outcome of this hearing and how it clarifies the boundaries of administrative directives regarding non-official activities for state employees. The proceedings serve as a reminder of the ongoing legal scrutiny applied to executive orders that impact service conditions.
