The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday (June 11, 2025) invoked provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1966, to prohibit strikes in the electricity department for a period of six months.
A notification was issued under sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1966 (U.P. Act No. 30 of 1966), amid ongoing unrest within the power sector, government sources confirmed.
The ESMA empowers the police to arrest, without warrant, employees who violate its provisions. Under the Act, individuals who instigate or participate in strikes deemed illegal may face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both.
The move follows rising tensions in the electricity department, though the government has not detailed the specific causes of the unrest.
Published – June 11, 2025 11:55 pm IST
