CHENNAI: Clarifying that work from home does not mean employees can go to their home towns, the Madras high court has directed 168 employees of Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to rejoin work immediately. They had all gone to their home towns in different parts of the state after the nationwide lockdown came into effect last month.

Pointing out that the bank has commenced work and has to distribute cash doles to beneficiaries, Justice K Ravichandrabaabu directed the employees attached to Tamil Nadu Grama Bank of Salem district to approach the nodal officer concerned in their respective native place and make arrangements to work from the nearest grama bank immediately. If such permission is denied, they have to approach the authority concerned to get a pass to travel to Salem immediately. The Tamil Nadu Grama Bank Workers Union moved the HC challenging the March 31 circular issued by the general manager, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, Salem.

On March 23, in view of the lockdown, a circular was issued to run the bank with 50% staff. The others were asked to work from home on rotation. Subsequently, the March 31 circular asked staff to return to work. The bank said it did not give permission for the 168 employees to leave the place of work.