The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued contempt notices to nine of the striking
Air India pilots for defying its order to call off the agitation which entered the seventh day.
The coaxing and cajoling, veiled threats of possible consequences of contempt proceedings and Air India's offer to reconsider termination on filing of appeals by sacked pilots did not persuade the striking pilots' body ICPA to call off the strike.
A division bench of the high court slammed the pilots' posture saying "these are young boys (pilots) and they do not understand consequences of facing contempt proceedings. It is a stigma and they may not get jobs later," a bench headed by Justice B D Ahmed said.
"Moreover, your bargaining power is decreasing every minute. You are not understanding the gravity of being prosecuted for contempt of court," the bench, which heard the case thrice during the day to resolve the stalemate, said.
Issuing contempt notices, the bench asked all the nine ICPA leaders to file their responses within two weeks and remain present in the court on May 25, the next date of hearing.
At the fag end of the day, the court gave striking pilots the last opportunity to call off their stir.
After consulting the pilots, senior advocate K T S Tulsi, appearing for four sacked ICPA leaders, told the court that "my clients are willing to fly if all the nine sacked pilots are reinstated. All suspensions, penal transfers be stayed and the pilots' body be re-recognised."
At this, Justice Ahmed said "you have been sacked and hence cannot fly. It means you don't want to move an inch.
Enough time has been given to you. I am a very patient person and even my patience is running out".
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