In a significant win for workers, the Bombay High Court ruled in favor of Soma Kalu Wagale and several other employees against the Forest Development Corporation, Nashik. This case, decided on December 24, 2025, involved a long-standing dispute about job permanency and unfair treatment at work.
The case began with 99 complaints filed by employees, including Soma Kalu Wagale, who worked as security guards for the Forest Development Corporation in Nashik. These employees argued that they had been working continuously for years without being granted permanent status, despite working more than 240 days each year. They claimed this was unfair and wanted their jobs to be made permanent.
The Forest Development Corporation, run by the Maharashtra Government, argued that these positions were always meant to be temporary. They said the employees were hired under specific programs and there were no approved permanent jobs available. They worried that making these jobs permanent would lead to financial losses and accused the employees of trying to get permanent jobs without going through the proper process.
The Industrial Court initially ruled in favor of Soma Kalu Wagale and the other employees, stating that the Corporation had indeed engaged in unfair labor practices. The court found that the work was permanent in nature and that the employees deserved to have their jobs made permanent. This decision was challenged by the Corporation but upheld by a judge on June 13, 2001.
"The employees have worked continuously for 240 days each year, and their work is permanent and ongoing," noted the court.
The Corporation argued that the employees knew their jobs were temporary. However, the court emphasized the ongoing nature of the work and the employees' right to have permanent jobs after years of service. The court also mentioned a Supreme Court decision, highlighting that the Corporation, even though it is a government entity, acted as an independent employer.
Ultimately, the court rejected the Corporation's appeals, affirming Soma Kalu Wagale and the other employees' rights to have their jobs made permanent and receive benefits. The court ordered the Corporation to stop unfair practices and grant the employees permanent status from April 1, 1998, along with back pay.
