Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Delhi High Court Questions ESMA Delay Amid DTC Staff Strike
The Delhi High Court discussed a strike by workers who run city buses.
The workers want higher wages and other benefits.
The strike has disrupted bus services in Delhi.
A regular bus passenger asked the court to help restore services.
The court asked why a law called ESMA had not been used.
ESMA can be considered when essential services are affected.
The Delhi Transport Corporation said about 96 percent of buses were operating again.
It also said some messages encouraged the strike and that buses had been vandalised.
The court asked the government to review the situation and keep buses running.
The Delhi High Court questioned why ESMA has not been invoked against striking DTC employees.
The Delhi government was asked to review the situation and ensure buses continue operating.
DTC said about 96% of buses were back in service after steps by authorities.
DTC alleged that strike-related WhatsApp messages were circulated and some buses were vandalised.
Drivers, conductors and other bus personnel have been striking since September 15 over wages and benefits.
- Who
- The Delhi High Court, the Delhi government, the Delhi Transport Corporation, striking bus personnel and petitioner Ami Sisodia.
- What
- The court questioned why ESMA provisions had not been invoked against striking DTC drivers, conductors and other staff.
- When
- The court heard the matter on Wednesday; the strike has continued since September 15.
- Where
- Delhi and the national capital.
- Why
- Workers are demanding higher wages and other benefits, while the petitioner seeks restoration and continuity of DTC bus services.
Government and Court Concerns
Striking Workers’ Demands
Use of ESMA
Government and Court Concerns
The court asked why ESMA provisions had not been invoked, and DTC said it had sent a file to the Delhi government for that purpose.
Striking Workers’ Demands
The striking drivers, conductors and other bus personnel are seeking increased wages and additional benefits.
Bus service restoration
Government and Court Concerns
The court asked the Delhi government to review the situation and ensure that buses ply; DTC said nearly 96% of buses were operating again.
Striking Workers’ Demands
The petitioner said the strike had substantially disrupted DTC services and sought urgent restoration and reasonable continuity.
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Bench
- Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia
- Transport agency
- Delhi Transport Corporation
- Strike start
- September 15
- Workers’ demands
- Higher wages and other benefits
- Reported service level
- Nearly 96% of buses were back in service, according to DTC
- Legal issue
- Whether to invoke provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act