Summary: On December 24, 2025, the Bombay High Court upheld a decision granting permanent jobs to forest workers in Nashik. The court found the Forest Development Corporation guilty of unfair labor practices, requiring them to make employees permanent if they had worked over 240 days yearly.
In Nashik, several workers employed as watchmen by the Forest Development Corporation filed complaints under a labor law from 1971. They argued that despite working continuously from 1977 to 1992, they were denied permanent status. The Industrial Court initially ruled in their favor in July 2000, and this was upheld by a Single Judge in 2001.
The Forest Development Corporation, managed by Maharashtra's government, claimed it wasn't obligated to provide permanent jobs since the workers were hired under temporary programs. They argued that giving permanent jobs would result in financial loss and amounted to unfair hiring.
"The appellant is unwarrantedly required to suffer a monetary loss," argued the Corporation's lawyer.
The court found that the workers had been employed continuously for over 240 days per year, qualifying them for permanent jobs. The judges noted that the Corporation's claim of lacking funds was unconvincing and that the workers' roles were permanent in nature.
"The respondents were in long continuous service of the appellant," the court observed.
The court referenced the Supreme Court's decision in a previous case, affirming that the Corporation is considered a business under the Industrial Disputes Act. Thus, the workers were entitled to be made permanent.
The appeals filed by the Corporation were dismissed, reinforcing the workers' rights to permanent jobs and associated benefits. The court ordered the Corporation to implement these changes within eight weeks.
"There is no merit in these appeals. They are accordingly rejected," concluded the judgment.
This decision marks a significant victory for the Nashik forest workers, ensuring job security and fair treatment under the law.
