Bombay HC: Nashik Watchmen Deemed Permanent After Long-Term Service

Summary: A big win for 99 watchmen in Nashik as the Bombay High Court decides they should be made permanent employees after years of continuous work. The court found that the Forest Development Corporation of Nashik treated them unfairly by keeping them as temporary workers.

Background of the Case

This case involves the Forest Development Corporation in Nashik, Maharashtra. The workers, who were hired as watchmen between 1977 and 1992, claimed they were unfairly kept as temporary workers even though they worked more than 240 days each year.

The Complaints

The workers filed complaints under a law meant to protect workers' rights. They argued that their continuous work meant they should be made permanent and receive the same benefits as regular employees. The Industrial Court agreed, saying the corporation was wrong to keep them as temporary workers.

"The watchmen had shown that the Forest Development Corporation of Nashik treated them unfairly," stated the Industrial Court.

The Appeals

The Forest Development Corporation of Nashik disagreed with this decision and took the matter to the Bombay High Court. They argued that the watchmen were hired for temporary projects and there were no permanent jobs available. They also said making the watchmen permanent would be too expensive.

Court’s Decision

Judges G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe rejected the appeals on December 24, 2025. They agreed with the Industrial Court’s decision, stating that the watchmen had indeed worked continuously and deserved to be permanent employees.

"The watchmen were in long continuous service of the Forest Development Corporation of Nashik," noted the judges.

Key Points from the Judgment

• Continuous Work: The court noted that the watchmen had worked more than 240 days each year, which by law means they should be permanent employees.
• Type of Work: The work was found to be permanent and ongoing, not just for short-term projects.
• Employer-Employee Relationship: The connection between the corporation and the watchmen was clear and ongoing, meaning they should be made regular employees.

Summary of the Verdict

The court's decision is a major win for the watchmen, ensuring they receive the benefits and security of permanent jobs. The Forest Development Corporation of Nashik has been told to make these changes within eight weeks.

"The watchmen shall be given all the benefits... as quickly as possible," the judgment concluded.

This case underscores the importance of fair treatment for workers and their rights to job security and benefits.

"Disclaimer: The names used in this report are fictitious and have been added for privacy reasons."