CPM-affiliated union move Kerala HC against change in bar timings

Kochi: CPM-affiliated All Kerala Bar Hotels and Restaurant Employees Association (CITU) has filed a PIL before high court challenging the state govt's order extending the operating hours of bars across the state.The petitioners alleged that the state govt unilaterally amended the Kerala Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953, thereby increasing the working hours of bars and hotels from 10am to 12am, without conducting any study on the social impact and without hearing the workers represented by the petitioner union. It was contended that employees in the industry will be required to work for more than 14 hours a day, adversely affecting their health and thereby violating Articles 38 and 47 of the Constitution of India. The petition further alleged that workers in the industry are not being paid minimum wages.When the bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar considered the petition on Thursday, the senior govt pleader submitted that the matter is under the govt's consideration and that an affidavit would be placed on record by the next date of posting. In response, HC suggested holding a joint meeting between representatives of the state govt, the petitioner union and the bar hotels and restaurants to resolve the issue. Accordingly, HC adjourned the PIL to March 12.