Kerala High Court: Restrictions on Strikes Under Industrial Disputes Act Apply to All Bank Employees

The Kerala High Court recently held that restrictions on strikes under the Industrial Disputes Act apply to all bank employees, including those in managerial roles.

A Division Bench clarified that since banking is a "public utility service," Section 22 of the Act prohibits any person employed there from striking during conciliation proceedings.

The Court observed that a strike by bank officers could paralyze the economy and most adversely affect ordinary citizens.

Further emphasizing that while employees have a right to form associations, the right to strike is not a fundamental right and cannot trump the nation's larger interest.

[The Federal Bank Ltd. v. Federal Bank Officers Association & Anr.]