Essential services law could be invoked to curb hoarding

Govt last invoked Esma during Covid-19 pandemic to prevent disruptions in healthcare

- Dhirendra Kumar

In the wake of India's missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam attack, the government is preparing to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (Esma) to prevent profiteering and ensure steady supplies of essential commodities, two officials told Mint.

Esma empowers the government to prohibit strikes and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services vital to public welfare. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it was invoked to prevent disruption in healthcare, transport, and supply chains.