Delhi HC asks police to offer bank unions an alternative protest site by Monday

The Delhi High Court has asked Delhi Police to identify an alternative venue for a three-day dharna planned by the United Forum of Bank Unions Delhi State from September 28 to 30.

Justice Amit Mahajan directed the authorities to decide on the union’s request by Monday and communicate the decision to it. The union had sought permission to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar or another location in Delhi.

During the hearing, counsel for the authorities said a protest at Jantar Mantar could create a law-and-order situation. The court said the union should be offered another site, noting that it should not have to approach the court for such a request.

The union said permission for dharnas planned on September 11 and 18 had been denied at the last minute, and that its fresh representation for next week’s protest had not received a response.

The planned dharna coincides with a nationwide bank strike announced for September 28-30. Among the union’s demands are a five-day banking week, improved pensions, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners, and an option for National Pension System-covered employees to move to the old pension scheme.