Chennai: Over 2000 Tamil Nadu government employees, who were arrested under Essential Service Maintenance Act (ESMA) in various parts of the state in connection with the indefinite strike by government employees that commenced from July 2, were released on July 12 on the directions of the Madras High Court.

Earlier, 172 employees including seven women had been released on bail all over the state.

President of Tamil Nadu Government Officers' Union Satyamurthy said that over 300 were released in the city, on July 12.

A Coimbatore report said 421 government employees in Coimbatore, Erode and Nilgiris districts, were released around 02:00 hours (IST).

According to a Madurai report, all government employees arrested in connection with the strike were released on July 12.

Meanwhile, Madurai district officials, who had accepted explanatory letters submitted en masse by striking employees, were awaiting orders from the state government on the course of action to be adopted regarding the letters.

According to official sources, results of supplementary examination held for the Plus Two students were likely to be delayed, as only 50 per cent of teachers had turned for evaluation of the papers due to the strike.

On July 11, the High Court, while directing the striking employees to challenge the government's decision to amend the act to allow summary dismissal of employees, had directed that those arrested in connection with the strike be released on furnishing a personal bond for Rs 1,000 each.

PTI