Bokaro Steel Plant Gates Reopen as Jharkhand HC Takes Up SAIL Plea
Image: Wikimedia Commons
All 11 gates of the Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand reopened on Sunday after a blockade by protesters, as the Jharkhand High Court took up an urgent petition by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) during its Puja vacation, The Statesman and UNI reported. Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad asked the Bokaro Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to file affidavits by October 28.
What Happened
SAIL told the court the blockade was led by Bokaro MLA Shweta Singh and members of a group of displaced apprentices. Thousands of employees were held inside the plant during the protest; reports put the number at between 3,500 and more than 5,000, with one saying they were stuck for about 22 hours. The district administration told the court all gates had reopened, and SAIL’s counsel confirmed that entry and exit had resumed. The court did not issue notices to the protest organisers at this stage.
The administration has imposed prohibitory orders within 200 metres of the plant’s main gate, barring gatherings of five or more people, rallies and demonstrations, The Hans India reported.
A Major Steel Plant and Its Displaced Families
Bokaro is one of the country’s largest public sector steel plants, and a prolonged shutdown would affect production, workers’ wages and supplies to industries that depend on its steel. The protest also reflects the demands of people displaced by the plant, which the court case is likely to bring back into focus. More in IPB’s Economy section.
Based on reporting by The Statesman, UNI, The Hans India and The Jharkhand Story.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
