In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has annulled the suspension of Chandrashekhar, a constable employed by the Kalyan Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), who was penalized for being found asleep during his duty hours. Justice M. Nagaprasanna, presiding over the case, underscored the essentiality of adequate rest and a balanced work-life regimen for employees, emphasizing that overburdening staff beyond their capacity can lead to unintended lapses such as falling asleep on duty.
The incident in question occurred on April 23, 2024, when a vigilance report alleged that Chandrashekhar was discovered sleeping while on duty. This episode was recorded and disseminated on social media platforms, leading to his suspension. In his defense, Chandrashekhar explained that he had been prescribed medication due to health issues and, owing to continuous double shifts spanning 16 hours daily for 60 consecutive days, he had taken a brief ten-minute nap to recuperate.
The court's examination revealed that the standard duty for a KST constable is eight hours per day. However, due to a shortage of personnel—only three constables were available to cover 24-hour operations—Chandrashekhar was compelled to work double shifts without respite. This relentless schedule persisted for two months, during which the corporation did not address the staffing inadequacies, despite recommendations from the Vigilance Department to appoint additional constables to alleviate the excessive workload.
Justice Nagaprasanna highlighted that expecting an individual to maintain optimal performance under such strenuous conditions is unreasonable. He referenced Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which asserts everyone's right to rest and leisure, including reasonable working hours and periodic holidays with pay. The judge emphasized that depriving an individual of adequate rest can lead to involuntary lapses, such as falling asleep during duty, and that maintaining a balance between work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being.
The court concluded that the suspension imposed on Chandrashekhar was unjust, as the circumstances leading to his brief rest were a direct result of the corporation's failure to ensure sufficient staffing and reasonable working hours. Consequently, the suspension order was set aside, and the court directed that Chandrashekhar be reinstated with all consequential benefits, including continuity of service and back pay for the suspension period.
This ruling serves as a precedent, reinforcing the importance of employers upholding labor rights and ensuring that employees are not subjected to inhumane working conditions. It underscores the judiciary's role in protecting workers' rights and promoting a healthy work environment that prioritizes both productivity and the well-being of employees.
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