JUDGMENT :

Anil R. Dave, J.

1. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner- Association, the learned Additional Solicitor General appearing on behalf of the Union of India, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of Respondent No.37, i.e., Indian Nursing Council and other learned counsel appearing for different States.

2. The petitioner-Association has ventilated its grievance with regard to the working conditions of nurses in private hospitals and nursing homes. The prayers made in this petition read as under :-

“a) issue guidelines for improving the working condition of nurses in hospitals/nursing homes;

b) direct all the respondents to adhere to the guidelines/rules framed by this Hon'ble Court till necessary legislation is made by the Parliament/State Legislative Assemblies;

c) issue necessary directions to ensure that nurses working in the private sector are paid salary equivalent to those working in Government hospitals;

d) issue necessary directions to the respondents to take appropriate action against hospitals/nursing homes insisting on bond from nurses working in their establishments;

e) issue a declaration that the bond system practiced by hospitals/nursing homes is unconstitut