JUDGMENT

Government Order dated 19.02.2021 Ext.P3 and the notification dated 24.01.2022 Ext.P5 have been challenged on behalf of the Kerala Sate Road Transport Corporation Workers Federation, a registered Trade Union vide registration No.283/71 formed by the workmen consisting of conductors, drivers, mechanical, ministerial and others, represented by its president aged 58 years. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is engaged in conducting regular bus schedule for the general public in the state of Kerala. It has 5526 schedules, 33146 employees and 5662 buses. Due to the special nature of work in the respondent Corporation working hours of an employee particularly driver and conductor is eight hours which includes seven hours of steering duty. For running the bus service Corporation had to also engage workman and had appointed 3941 conductors, 1565 drivers, 2122 mechanical workers and 600 ministerial workers as empanelled employees for the smooth operation of the schedules. The workmen are being employed from the employment exchange and have to be relieved within a period of 180 days. But the 3rd respondent did not relieve the said workers after the statutory period and were con