SNEHALATHA D Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN these two writ petitions, the petitioners are staff nurses in Government service. The Government had reviewed the working hours of the Staff Nurses and introduced a three shift system regulating the working hours of staff nurses. But that has now been changed to two shifts. Consequently, the working hours of the Nurses have increased. They challenge the action of the Government in increasing their working hours. IN respect of the same the petitioners in W.P(C) No. 35720/2010 has filed Ext. P4 representation. They seek disposal of that representation. The petitioners in the other writ petition submit that they would also be satisfied if they are also heard while disposing of that representation. But the learned counsel for the petitioners in W.P(C) No. 35755/2010 point out that the issue involved is covered by several decisions of this Court, which have been detailed in their writ petition and the same also may be directed to be considered while disposing of the representation.

(2.) I have heard the learned Government Pleader also. I am of opinion that it is only appropriate that the Government considers the matter appropriately. Accordingly, these writ petitions are disposed of with the following directions: The 2nd respondent in W.P(C) No. 35720/2010 shall forward Ext. P4 representation filed by the petitioners in that writ petition to the 1st respondent within two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. The 1st respondent shall consider the representation and pass appropriate orders thereon within three months from the date of receipt of Ext. P4 from the 2nd respondent, after affording an opportunity of being heard to the petitioners in both the writ petitions. It would be open to the petitioners to produce before the 1st respondent and rely upon the decisions in their favour, the applicability of which shall also be considered by the 1st respondent, while passing orders.