Summary: The Bombay High Court decided against the Forest Development Corporation, Nashik, in a case about unfair treatment of several watchmen. The court ordered the corporation to give these workers permanent jobs and benefits.
On December 24, 2025, the Bombay High Court made a decision on several appeals by the Forest Development Corporation, Nashik. These appeals challenged a 2001 decision by a Single Judge that agreed with the Industrial Court's decision against the corporation.
The conflict started with 99 complaints filed by workers under the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971. These complaints accused the corporation of unfair treatment, specifically under Items 6, 9, and 10 of Schedule IV.
"The workers said they had been working continuously for over 240 days each year and deserved permanent jobs."
The Forest Development Corporation argued that it was not a government department and was under the control of the Maharashtra Government. They said that the workers were hired for temporary projects and giving them permanent positions would lead to financial loss.
"The corporation claimed the workers knew their jobs were temporary."
The Industrial Court, followed by the Single Judge, found that the workers had indeed been employed without breaks and worked over 240 days each year. The court noted that the corporation's claim of relying on government projects did not justify denying permanent jobs.
"The court observed that the work was ongoing and required continuous employment."
The court referred to several Supreme Court decisions, emphasizing that the corporation was a business under the Industrial Disputes Act. The employees were entitled to permanent jobs because of their long-term service.
The Division Bench, made up of Justices G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe, agreed with the earlier decisions. They rejected the corporation's appeals and ordered it to make the workers' employment permanent from April 1, 1998, and pay them the money owed.
"The judgment emphasized fairness and equality in employment practices."
The court's decision highlights the importance of fair treatment of workers and the responsibility of employers to make long-term workers permanent. The ruling supports workers' rights to permanent jobs when they have been working continuously.
Disclaimer: The names used in this report are made up and have been added for privacy reasons.
