Summary: On December 24, 2025, the Bombay High Court decided in favor of several watchmen working for the Forest Development Corporation in Nashik, giving them permanent jobs after years of temporary work.
The Forest Development Corporation in Nashik faced multiple challenges from its employees. These employees, hired as watchmen between 1977 and 1992, argued that they were treated unfairly by not being given permanent jobs despite working for more than 240 days each year.
The case started with 99 complaints filed under a law meant to recognize worker unions and stop unfair work practices. The employees claimed that the Corporation had been unfair by keeping them on temporary contracts for many years.
"The employees were working with the company without any break in service since the dates they started," the judgment noted.
On July 31, 2000, the Industrial Court decided in favor of the employees, saying that the Corporation had indeed been unfair. The court ordered the Corporation to give the employees permanent jobs from April 1, 1998, and pay them any owed money.
The Corporation challenged this decision, arguing that the employees were hired for temporary projects and that there were no approved positions for permanent jobs. However, the Bombay High Court, led by Judges G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe, agreed with the Industrial Court's decision.
The court stressed, "The work given to the employees was permanent and ongoing."
The court's decision ensures that the employees receive the benefits and security of permanent jobs. The Corporation was directed to follow the court's orders within eight weeks.
This case highlights the importance of fair work practices and the role of the courts in protecting workers' rights against long-term temporary employment.
Disclaimer: The names used in this report are fictitious and have been added for privacy reasons.
