Govt Staff May Face Forced Retirement for Protests

Representational photo

The government has issued the Public Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, introducing stricter measures to address misconduct among public servants, including the possibility of compulsory retirement or dismissal for engaging in protest activities or obstructing official work.

The ordinance, published by the Law and Justice Division on Wednesday, outlines a broader definition of "misconduct" for public employees. Among the listed offences are disobeying lawful orders from superiors, disregarding official instructions without legitimate reasons, and obstructing or instigating others to obstruct the execution of such orders.

One of the key provisions of the ordinance states that if any government employee prevents colleagues from attending office or performing their duties, they will face punitive action—either compulsory retirement or outright dismissal from service.

The move is widely seen as part of the government’s efforts to tighten administrative discipline and curb unrest or collective disobedience within the civil service. Officials said the amendment aims to reinforce accountability and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of public services.

Legal experts and civil society groups are expected to scrutinise the ordinance in the coming days, especially its implications for freedom of expression and association among government employees. Critics may argue that such provisions could be used to suppress legitimate grievances and discourage whistleblowing.

However, supporters of the amendment contend that a disciplined and responsive civil service is essential to the smooth functioning of the state and the effective implementation of government policies.

The ordinance will remain in force until it is ratified or replaced by legislation passed in Parliament.