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Delhi HC Questions Govt on Not Invoking ESMA Against Striking DTC Employees
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News18•23-09-2026, 19:00
Delhi HC Questions Govt on Not Invoking ESMA Against Striking DTC Employees
- •The Delhi High Court questioned the Rekha Gupta government on why ESMA provisions were not invoked against striking DTC bus drivers and conductors.
- •A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia urged the Delhi government to review the situation and ensure buses ply.
- •DTC counsel informed the court that a file was sent to the Delhi government for invoking ESMA and that nearly 96% of buses are back in service.
- •The court was hearing a petition by Ami Sisodia, a regular DTC commuter, seeking intervention for the restoration of DTC bus services.
- •DTC employees have been on strike since September 15, demanding increased wages and other benefits, causing hardship to lakhs of commuters.
Key Questions Answered
The Delhi High Court asked the Delhi government why the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) provisions have not been invoked against striking DTC bus drivers and conductors, and directed authorities to review the situation to ensure public buses continue to ply.
Bus drivers, conductors, and other personnel associated with DTC operations have been on strike since September 15 to demand an increase in their wages and other benefits.
The strike has substantially disrupted public bus services across the national capital, causing daily hardships for lakhs of commuters who depend on affordable public transportation and forcing them to use expensive alternatives or the Delhi Metro.
