Kerala High Court Weighs in on Nurses' Strike, Clears Path for Disciplinary Actions

The Kerala High Court permits private hospital managements to take disciplinary action against striking nurses as mediation fails to resolve a pay dispute. The court had initially hoped mediation would resolve the issue but has now allowed hospitals to proceed with disciplinary measures, while nurses may continue their strike.

The Kerala High Court has ruled that private hospitals can initiate disciplinary actions against nurses striking over pay disputes, following failed mediation attempts. This decision highlights ongoing tensions in Kerala's healthcare sector.

Justice Harisankar V Menon clarified that while private managements can take legal steps, nurses are still within their rights to continue their strike, aimed at securing a minimal salary of Rs 40,000 per month.

The ruling emerged from a series of petitions by hospital managements, with the court initially suggesting mediation, which unfortunately did not succeed in resolving the conflict that has impacted multiple private hospitals statewide since March 11.

(With inputs from agencies.)