August 26, 2025

Get ready for a showdown in Chennai! The Greater Chennai City Police slammed the brakes on a demand by the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam (UUI) to allow Greater Chennai Corporation's sanitary workers to camp out forever near the Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore. Why? These workers are protesting the outsourcing of their cleaning jobs in zones V (Royapuram) and VI (Thiru.Vi.Ka. Nagar). The drama unfolded on Monday in court where Additional Advocate General J. Ravindran spoke up strongly. He reminded everyone that Justice K. Surender of the High Court already threw out UUI’s challenge against the outsourcing decision. "They can only appeal this judgment but cannot take to the streets for protests," he declared. The hearing will continue on Thursday, as the AAG requested more time to file a detailed counter-affidavit against the protest plea. The judge was even surprised, asking how anyone could ask to hold an "indefinite protest," suggesting it was an extreme request. UUI's advocate B. Mohan came to the defense of the workers represented by treasurer R. Mohan. He painted a heartfelt picture of these sanitary staffers, who have worked for over 10 years as temporary employees and stood bravely on the frontlines during COVID-19. The threat? Losing their chance to become permanent employees due to outsourcing. "It’s about their livelihood," he stressed. So, what’s next? Will the workers get their long fight recognized and be able to protest? Or will the court hold its ground with strict rules? Stay tuned for the Thursday hearing as the battle for dignity and jobs continues under Chennai’s hot sun!

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Tags: Greater chennai corporation, Sanitary workers, Outsourcing protest, Uui plea, High court, Chennai police,