Summary: The Bombay High Court dealt with a series of appeals involving the Forest Development Corporation, Nashik, which was accused of unfair labor practices by several employees. The court upheld previous judgments favoring the employees, who were seeking permanent status due to long-term service.
Multiple Appeals Filed: The Forest Development Corporation, Nashik, filed several appeals against employees, including Muralidhar Yewaji Jadhav, who claimed unfair labor practices. These cases were heard together because they were similar.
Judges Involved: The decision was made by Judges G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe on December 24, 2025.
Employees' Claims: Muralidhar Yewaji Jadhav and other employees, who worked as security guards, said that even though they worked more than 240 days a year, they were not given permanent jobs. They argued this was against the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971 (MRTU & PULP Act).
"The employees argued that based on existing laws, they deserved to be made permanent..."
Corporation's Argument: The Forest Development Corporation said it didn't have to make the jobs permanent because the employees were hired for temporary projects. They claimed that making the jobs permanent would cause financial problems and was an unfair way to get permanent jobs.
"The company disagreed with each complaint by submitting written arguments. Their main point was to deny the claims."
Industrial Court's Decision: The Industrial Court found the corporation guilty of unfair practices and ordered it to make the employees' jobs permanent starting April 1, 1998.
High Court's Ruling: The High Court agreed with the Industrial Court's decision, pointing out the ongoing work of the employees and the corporation's duties as an employer.
"The Industrial Court clearly found that since the employees started working, they were continuously employed..."
Employer-Employee Relationship: The court confirmed that the corporation, as part of the State of Maharashtra, had clear responsibilities toward its workers.
Permanent Employment Rights: The decision reinforced that long-term temporary workers have rights to permanent jobs if they meet certain conditions, like continuous work.
Appeals Rejected: The High Court dismissed the corporation's appeals, ordering that Muralidhar Yewaji Jadhav and other employees be given all the benefits promptly.
"The employees shall receive all the benefits from the orders made by the Industrial Tribunal..."
This case highlights the importance of fair labor practices and the legal recognition of workers' rights to permanent employment under specific conditions.
