KERAFED STAFF UNION Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Petition has been filed by the staff union of the Kerala Kera Karshaka Sahakarana Federation Ltd. (Kerafed) seeking the following reliefs:

(2.) The petitioner claims to be a registered trade union of employees of Kerafed. Their complaint is with reference to the scheme formulated by the Government for procurement of raw coconuts as evident from Exhibit P1. According to them, though initially the Government had provided sufficient funds for procurement of raw coconuts, subsequently, the Government stopped funding the project. Presently, funds are being self generated by Kerafed. That apart, it is contended that procurement of raw coconuts is creating loss to the exchequer as well as the Kerafed and therefore, appropriate direction has to be issued in the matter. Hence the petitioner has approached this Court by way of public interest litigation.

(3.) Counter affidavit has been filed by the second respondent inter alia stating that on account of the intervention of the Kerafed, price of coconut has shown a substantial rise. By such intervention, the farmers are now getting better price for the coconuts. That apart, funds have been generated within the organisation by way of interest, which is received from the deposits made by the institution. The second respondent also makes complaint contending that the intention of the members of the petitioner is not to carry on the work, which they have to do as per the terms of employment.