The Karnataka High Court has revoked the suspension of a transport constable from KKRTC, ruling that penalizing him for dozing off after prolonged working hours was unjust. The court criticized the transport corporation for imposing an exhausting workload, violating fundamental labor rights.

Chandrashekar, a constable posted in Koppal, had been compelled to work 16-hour shifts continuously for two months. On April 23, 2024, a vigilance report flagged him for resting momentarily during duty, and by July 1, he was officially suspended. A viral video of him napping at work further intensified scrutiny.

In his defense, Chandrashekar argued that extreme fatigue due to relentless shifts led to his brief sleep. The KKRTC justified the suspension, asserting that the incident tarnished its reputation. However, Justice M Nagaprasanna deemed the action as unfair, noting that the company itself had violated essential labor laws.

The judge highlighted that international labor agreements and constitutional provisions safeguard workers’ rights to sufficient rest. Citing global labor standards, he emphasized that employees should not exceed 48 working hours weekly unless under extraordinary conditions.

Condemning KKRTC’s actions as lacking integrity, the court ruled that the suspension was unwarranted. It directed the corporation to reinstate Chandrashekar with full pay and service continuity. The ruling reinforces the importance of work-life balance and fair labor treatment.