The Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988
The Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988
The Orissa Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988, is a regulatory statute designed to ensure the uninterrupted operation of vital public services. It empowers the State Government to prohibit strikes, lock-outs, and lay-offs in sectors deemed "essential," such as water supply, public health, electricity, and transportation. For an ordinary citizen, this Act is significant because it prevents the disruption of life-sustaining services. It classifies illegal strikes and lock-outs as criminal offences, punishable by imprisonment and fines. Furthermore, it grants police the authority to arrest individuals involved in such illegal activities without a warrant, prioritizing public order over industrial disputes.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement
- 2. Definitions
- 3. Power to prohibit strikes in certain employments
- 4. Power to prohibit lock-outs in certain establishments
- 5. Power to prohibit lay-off in certain establishments
- 6. Penalty for illegal strikes
- 7. Penalty for instigation
- 8. Power to arrest without warrant
- 9. Act to override other laws
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