KOCHI: The Pinarayi government suffered a major setback for allotting two days salary to government employees who staged a protest against the policies of the central government. The Kerala High Court quashed the order issued by the government considering the strike days as paid leave and also directed to recover the salary if it was paid. The order was passed by a division bench led by Chief Justice considering a public interest litigation filed by G Balagopal, a native of Kalarcode in Alappuzha.

The court quashed the government's decision to allow two days' salary to government employees who took part in the all-India strike on January 8 and 9 in 2019 against the policies of the centre. The court directed to check the attendance register of government employees and teachers and take action if the salary has been paid. The order must be executed within two months and the action taken should be informed to the court. The plea will be reconsidered two months later.