Police must regulate protests beyond 500m from factory to prevent obstruction of ingress/egress during strikes.

ORDER

The petitioner, through its, General Manager, Human Resources, had sent a representation on 20.02.2026 requesting for police protection, but, the Police had not responded to the request. Hence, this Writ Petition is filed.

2. The learned Counsel for the petitioner submits that Samsung India Electronics Private Limited engaged in the business of manufacturing and exporting of home appliances like Refrigerators, Televisions, Washing Machines and Air Conditioners. 27 erring workers were suspended. Now, the suspension has been taken as an issue by the second respondent, who had issued a strike notice, dated 13.02.2026. They intended to commence a strike any day after 28 February, 2026 in protest against the suspension of 27 workers and further the past experience shows that even during the conciliation proceedings, such illegal strikes and dharna have been held. Now, the conciliation proceedings are in progress. But, the Company apprehends that the ingress and egress of the employees and movement of input materials of finished goods, all would get obstructed. Further, they also deter the employees attending the work.

3. He further submits that in the previous years, such protests were held, but, that was held in an open area which is more than 500 meters away from the factory premises. There, they can have any meeting or protest if they desire and their only apprehension is that by holding such meeting or protest, no obstruction to the movement of men and material can be permitted and for which, adequate Polite protest can be granted.

4. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submits that as on date, the complaint of the petitioner has been received and the Police patrolling is being done regularly. But, as on date, there is no protest or dharna. As and when, if the employees seek for any permission for protest or dharna, permission will be granted for conducting protest or dharna to be held 500 meters away from the factory premises not affecting the ingress and egress of men and material like the previous years and also ensure that the functioning of the factory is not obstructed in any manner.

5. Recording the same, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.