The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday restrained the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of transport corporation trade unions from proceeding with their proposed statewide strike that was scheduled to begin on Wednesday morning, bringing temporary relief to lakhs of bus commuters across the State.
The interim order was passed by a vacation bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj and Justice K. Manmadha Rao while hearing a petition filed over concerns of public
The plea was moved by C. Vedavathi, a domestic worker, and Sreedhara H.V., a construction labourer, who argued that a sudden halt in government bus services would severely affect ordinary citizens, especially daily wage earners dependent on public transport.
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Senior Advocate Vikram Huilgol, appearing for the petitioners, told the court that the proposed strike could disrupt the daily lives of thousands of passengers across Karnataka.
During the hearing, the bench orally urged the unions not to proceed with the agitation. “Don’t go on strike, already 12.5 per cent hike has been given,” the court observed.
In its interim order, the High Court directed the JAC and all affiliated unions not to act upon the strike notice issued on April 29, 2026.
The bench recorded: “R7 (Joint Action Committee) and its constituent unions are restrained from going on strike and acting on notice dated 29-04-2026.”
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The court also granted two days to the State government to obtain instructions regarding a meeting between union representatives, the Transport Minister or Chief Minister, and departmental officials in an effort to resolve the dispute.
The strike call arose from a continuing disagreement over wage revision for employees of state-run transport corporations. While the government recently announced a 12.5 percent wage increase applicable from April, the unions have been demanding a 25 percent hike with retrospective effect from January 1, 2024.
The unions have also sought payment of dues allegedly withheld during the Covid-19 period.
Advocate Clifton D’Rozario, appearing for the unions, told the court that workers were still willing to negotiate and requested direct talks with the Chief Minister.
After hearing all sides, the Karnataka High Court restrained the unions from proceeding with the proposed strike and posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday.
