In a big win for forest workers in Nashik, the Bombay High Court decided that the Forest Development Corporation must give permanent jobs to employees who have been working as watchmen for years. This decision affects many workers who have been paid daily wages for a long time.
The Forest Development Corporation in Nashik hired several watchmen between 1977 and 1992. These workers said they were kept on temporary contracts, even though they worked continuously for over 240 days each year. They argued this was unfair and wanted permanent jobs.
The workers filed complaints under a law meant to stop unfair treatment of workers. They said the Corporation was not treating them fairly by not making their jobs permanent, even though they worked for many years without breaks. They wanted the same benefits as permanent employees.
"The watchmen were working with the Forest Development Corporation without any break in service since their joining dates and had completed more than 240 days year after year."
The Forest Development Corporation argued that they were not a government department and didn't have to make the workers permanent. They claimed the work was not continuous and that making these workers permanent would cost them money.
On December 24, 2025, Judges G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe agreed with the workers. They supported an earlier decision by the Industrial Court, which found that the Corporation was indeed treating the workers unfairly.
"The Industrial Court recorded clear findings of fact that it was undisputed that since the date of joining, the watchmen were continuously working with the Forest Development Corporation without any break."
This decision is important because it recognizes the rights of workers who have been in temporary jobs for a long time. It sets an example for similar cases where workers are kept on temporary contracts even though their work is permanent.
The court ruled that the Forest Development Corporation must give permanent jobs to the watchmen who have been working continuously for many years, recognizing the unfair treatment they faced.
