(1) If the Government are satisfied that in the public interest it is necessary or expedient so to do, they may, by general or special order, prohibit strikes in any essential service specified in the order.
(2) An order made under sub-section (1) shall be published in such manner as the Government may consider best calculated to bring it to the notice of the persons affected by the order.
(3) An order made under sub-section (1) shall be in force for six months only, but the Government may, by a like order, extend it for any period not exceeding six months, if they are satisfied that in the public interest it is necessary or expedient so to do.
(4) Upon the issue of an order under sub-section (1),—
(a) no person employed in any essential service to which the order relates shall go or remain on strike;
(b) any strike declared or commenced, whether before or after the issue of the order, by persons employed in, any such service shall be illegal.