Summary: The Bombay High Court ruled against the Forest Development Corporation, Nashik, supporting Sitaram Raut and other workers' claims for permanent employment status.
In this case, the manager in charge of the Forest Development Corporation in Nashik filed multiple appeals against a decision by a judge, which confirmed the orders of the Industrial Court. The case was about unfair treatment of several workers employed as watchmen from 1977 to 1992.
The workers, represented by Mr. Kiran Bapat, claimed they worked continuously for over 240 days each year. They argued they deserved permanent status and related benefits because their work was ongoing and not temporary.
"The workers were working with the company without any break in service since their respective joining dates."
The Forest Development Corporation, represented by Mr. Ashwinikumar R. Kapadnis, argued that the workers were hired temporarily under projects that didn't have approved long-term positions. They claimed making the workers permanent would cause a big financial burden.
"The company is unnecessarily required to suffer a financial loss."
On July 31, 2000, the Industrial Court ruled in favor of Sitaram Raut and the other workers, stating that the Corporation had engaged in unfair labor practices. It ordered the Corporation to make the workers' jobs permanent from April 1, 1998, and pay back wages.
The High Court, with judges G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe, upheld the Industrial Court's decision on December 24, 2025. It emphasized that the workers had been employed continuously and that the Corporation needed to follow labor laws.
"There was a clear employer–employee relationship between the company and the workers."
The judgment highlighted the importance of fair treatment for long-term temporary workers and set an example for similar cases. It also emphasized the need for government-related organizations to avoid unfair employment practices.
"Hiring workers on a temporary basis for long periods... undermines international labor standards."
The court dismissed the appeals, reinforcing the rights of Sitaram Raut and the other workers to permanent employment status after years of continuous service. The Corporation was directed to implement the orders within eight weeks.
