Power of the Government to declare emergency

If the Government is of the opinion that the stoppage or the cessation of the performance of any of the essential services will be prejudicial to the safety or health or the maintenance of services essential to the life of the community in the corporations, it may, by notification declare that an emergency exists in the city and that in consequence thereof no member of such of the essential services and for such period as may be specified in the notification, notwithstanding any law for the time being in force or any agreement, shall,- (a) withdraw or absent himself from his duties except in the case of illness or accident disabling him from the discharge of his duties, or (b) neglect or refuse to perform his duties or wilfully perform them in a manner which in the opinion of such officer as the Government may specify in this behalf, is inefficient.