Bureaucracy
“Sleep is Essential”: High Court Grants Relief to Constable Caught Sleeping on Duty
The Karnataka High Court overturned the suspension of Constable Chandra Shekhar, who was penalized for sleeping during duty. The court highlighted the importance of rest and a balanced work-life routine, emphasizing that excessive workloads can lead to exhaustion.
Chandra Shekhar was suspended in July 2024 after a video of him dozing off on duty in April went viral on social media. His employer, the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), took disciplinary action against him. However, he challenged the decision in court, arguing that he had been forced to work double shifts—16-hour shifts instead of the standard 8-hour shifts—due to staff shortages.
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Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who presided over the case, ruled in his favor, stating that when an employee is made to work beyond their physical limits, occasional fatigue is inevitable. The court noted that Shekhar had worked without adequate breaks for nearly 60 consecutive days, making it unreasonable to fault him for dozing off.
“If a person is forced to work beyond their capacity, the body will demand rest. Sleep and work-life balance are crucial, and if a constable faces this today, it could happen to anyone tomorrow,” the judge remarked.
The court cited Article 24, which guarantees rest and regulated working hours, and ordered Shekhar’s reinstatement along with payment of his pending salary. This ruling serves as a strong message against unfair labor practices and reinforces the importance of employee well-being.