Summary: The Bombay High Court ruled in favor of several forest watchmen from Nashik, confirming their permanent job status after years of work. The decision, made on December 24, 2025, was given by Judges G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe.
The Forest Development Corporation in Nashik hired many people as watchmen between 1977 and 1992. These workers said they worked continuously, completing more than 240 days each year. Despite their long service, they were not given permanent jobs.
The workers, including Rajesh Patil, Meena Deshmukh, and Anil Kumar, filed 99 complaints in the Industrial Court at Nashik under a law meant to stop unfair treatment of workers. They said the Corporation was treating them unfairly.
"Rajesh Patil, Meena Deshmukh, Anil Kumar, and others were working with the appellant without any break in service since from the respective dates of joining," the court noted.
On July 31, 2000, the Industrial Court decided in favor of Rajesh Patil, Meena Deshmukh, Anil Kumar, and others, stating that the Corporation had indeed treated them unfairly. The court told the Corporation to give permanent jobs to the workers starting April 1, 1998.
The Corporation disagreed with the Industrial Court's decision and appealed several times. However, a judge dismissed these appeals in 2001. Even so, the Corporation kept challenging the decision.
On December 24, 2025, the Bombay High Court agreed with the lower courts' decisions. Judge G. S. Kulkarni said that Rajesh Patil, Meena Deshmukh, Anil Kumar, and others had been doing permanent work and deserved permanent jobs.
"The services of Rajesh Patil, Meena Deshmukh, Anil Kumar, and others were required to be engaged continuously year after year," the judgment stated.
This decision confirms the rights of workers who have been in long-term jobs without official recognition. It sets an example for similar cases, highlighting the importance of fair job practices.
The court also dismissed the Corporation's argument about not having approved positions, noting that the work was ongoing and necessary.
The judgment is a big win for workers' rights, ensuring that workers who consistently contribute are recognized and rewarded with job security. The court ordered the Corporation to follow the decision within eight weeks.
"Rajesh Patil, Meena Deshmukh, Anil Kumar, and others shall be given all the benefits of the orders passed by the Industrial Tribunal," the judgment concluded.
