The Government of Maharashtra, India attached four Jet Airways aircraft, three Boeing 777s and one Airbus. The attachment order was carried out in response of employees’ complaint regarding non-payment of gratuity dues.
The employees of grounded Jet Airways have been fighting a legal battle for the provident fund and gratuity. In October 2022, the National Country Law Appellate Tribunal ruled that the new owners, Jalan Kalrock consortium was liable to pay the dues amounting to $11,760.38 along with 10% interest.
Kiran Pawaskar, president of All India Jet Airways Officers and Staff Association said: “We had approached many forums such as the labour court, National Company Law Tribunal, National Company Law Appellate Tribunal and Mumbai high court for the company to release the gratuity of workers and officers. The present owners of the airline have said that they have nothing to do with it. Finally, the tehsildar of Mulund has attached four planes of the airline.”
Nidhi Chaudhari, Mumbai suburban collector, said: “The labour court had passed certain orders about pending dues of Jet Airways. The employees had earlier moved court. We are only implementing the court’s orders. Since Jet Airways does not have any office in Mumbai, we have restrained sale of their aircraft. Either they can pay the employees, or else we auction the planes and recover the money.”
Meanwhile, Ashish Chawria, the resolution officer for Jet Airways denied receiving such a notice while Jet Airways has not made any official comment regarding the matter.