Karnataka HC bars RTC bus strike on May 20, orders talks with Transport Minister
Synopsis
The Karnataka High Court stepped in hours before a statewide bus shutdown, restraining RTC unions from striking on 20 May and citing both KESMA's seasonal prohibition and an ongoing conciliation process. With SSLC exams in the balance and four transport corporations at a standstill, the court's order forced the dispute back to the negotiating table — but the underlying demands for a 25 per cent pay hike remain unresolved.
Key Takeaways
The Karnataka High Court on 19 May issued an interim order barring transport unions from striking on 20 May .
A division bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj and Justice K.
Manmadha Rao directed the government to hold talks with the Transport Minister .
Strikes are prohibited from 1 January to 30 June under KESMA ; conciliation proceedings are ongoing with the next date on 25 May .
Unions had demanded a 25 per cent salary hike and clearance of pending wage arrears across KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC , and KKRTC .
Unions gave only 7 days' notice instead of the mandatory 14 days' , further weakening their legal position.
SSLC supplementary examinations were cited as a key reason for urgency in the PIL filed by a domestic worker and a construction labourer.
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, 19 May issued an interim order restraining transport unions from proceeding with a statewide bus strike planned for 20 May, dealing a significant blow to the Joint Action Committee of transport workers' unions that had called the protest. The court also directed the state government to convene a meeting with the Transport Minister to resolve the dispute amicably.
What the Court Ordered
A division bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj and Justice K. Manmadha Rao passed the restraining order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a domestic worker and a construction labourer. The bench issued notices to the state government and the transport unions, and directed that conciliation talks be pursued before any industrial action is taken.
Why the Strike Was Deemed Illegal
The court was informed that strikes by transport employees are prohibited between 1 January and 30 June under the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act (KESMA). Additionally, a conciliation process initiated by the Labour Commissioner on 18 July 2025 was still underway, with the next hearing scheduled for 25 May. The petitioners argued that launching a strike during active conciliation proceedings would be unlawful. It was also submitted that the unions had issued only seven days' notice instead of the mandatory 14-day notice period.
What the Unions Were Demanding
Employees across all four state-run transport corporations — KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC — had threatened to withdraw services from 20 May, demanding a 25 per cent salary hike and full settlement of pending wage arrears. The unions had set a deadline of the afternoon of 19 May for the government to respond, failing which employees planned a stay-at-home protest, refusing to report for duty.
Impact on Students and the Public
The PIL specifically flagged that SSLC (Class 10) supplementary examinations were scheduled during the same period, making a public transport shutdown particularly disruptive. The petitioners sought protection for students and daily commuters relying on state-run buses across Karnataka.
Government's Response
State Home Minister G. Parameshwara had earlier acknowledged the unions' concerns, stating that the Chief Minister and the Transport Minister were already engaged on the issue. 'The CM and Minister for Transport are addressing the issue. I had also spoken to them. They have agreed to drop the showing of black flags. After May 20, if they want, the CM will meet them,' he said. The KSRTC had also issued a stern warning to its employees against participating in the strike. With the High Court's interim order now in place, all eyes are on the government-union meeting that the court has directed to be convened.
Point of View
The unions will likely return with a fresh strike notice, this time with proper notice period and outside the KESMA window.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Karnataka High Court stop the RTC bus strike on May 20?
The Karnataka High Court barred the strike because it violated two legal requirements: strikes by transport employees are prohibited between 1 January and 30 June under KESMA, and a conciliation process initiated by the Labour Commissioner was still active. The unions also gave only 7 days' notice instead of the mandatory 14 days.
What are the RTC employees demanding?
Employees across KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC are demanding a 25 per cent salary hike and full settlement of pending wage arrears. The Joint Action Committee of transport unions had set a deadline of 19 May afternoon for the government to respond.
Who filed the PIL that led to the court order?
The PIL was filed by a domestic worker and a construction labourer who challenged the proposed strike, arguing it would harm the general public and students appearing in SSLC supplementary examinations scheduled during the same period.
What happens next after the High Court order?
The court has directed the state government to convene a meeting with the Transport Minister and the unions. The conciliation proceedings are scheduled for a hearing on 25 May. If talks fail, unions could issue fresh strike notice after the KESMA prohibition period ends on 30 June.
Which transport corporations were affected by the strike threat?
All four Karnataka state-run transport corporations — KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation), BMTC (Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation), NWKRTC (North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation), and KKRTC (Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation) — were set to be affected.
