Summary: The Forest Development Corporation in Nashik faced off against several employees over unfair labor practices. The court ruled in favor of the employees, granting them permanent jobs and benefits after years of temporary status.
The Forest Development Corporation, based in Nashik, Maharashtra, was involved in a legal battle with multiple employees, including Tulashiram Rawaji Khadam. These employees were hired as watchmen between 1977 and 1992. They claimed that even though they worked continuously for over 240 days each year, they were not given permanent status.
The employees argued that their work was ongoing and should be considered permanent, yet they were not made regular employees. They accused the corporation of unfair labor practices under a specific labor law in Maharashtra.
"The employees were working with the company without any break in service... hence, the company was required to make their jobs permanent," the employees contended.
The Forest Development Corporation argued that they were not required to make the jobs permanent because there were no official positions available. They claimed that the employees knew their jobs were temporary.
On July 31, 2000, the Industrial Court ruled in favor of the employees, stating that the corporation had indeed treated them unfairly. The employees were to be made permanent from April 1, 1998, with back pay from that date.
The case was appealed, and on December 24, 2025, Judges G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe agreed with the Industrial Court's decision. They confirmed that the employees were entitled to permanent positions because of their continuous service.
"The company's argument about no official positions being available would certainly not matter," the judgment noted.
This judgment highlights the importance of fair employment practices and recognizing long-term temporary workers as permanent employees. The court's decision ensures that the employees receive the benefits and job security they deserve. The case serves as a reminder to organizations about the legal and ethical implications of hiring practices and the need to comply with labor laws to prevent similar disputes in the future.
