Banning hunger strikes in BSNL is violation of the Right to assembly, as enshrined in article 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution - BSNLEU writes to the CMD BSNL.

BSNLEU is successfully organising countrywide hunger strikes today, demanding immediate payment of salary for the month of January, 2021, as well as payment of salary on the due date of every month and seeking settlement of some burning problems. Yesterday evening, the Corporate Office has issued a letter to all the CGMs, wherein it is stated that hunger strike amounts to strike. Further, the Management has also banned hunger strike, dharna, etc., in BSNL. Protesting against the issuing of such a letter, BSNLEU has written a detailed letter to the CMD BSNL today, stating that, nowhere in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, it is stated that, hunger strike amounts to strike. Further, BSNLEU has also stated that, by banning dharnas and hunger strikes, the Management is violating the  Right to Assembly of the employees, as enshrined in Article 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution. BSNLEU has demanded withdrawal of this letter.