Quick Summary: The Bombay High Court decided which courts in Maharashtra can handle worker disputes, especially when employees work outside the state but are connected to companies based in Maharashtra.
The Case: Manish Ashok Badkas vs. Novartis India Ltd.
This case is about Manish Ashok Badkas, a medical representative whose job was ended by Novartis India Ltd. The main question was whether the Labour Court in Maharashtra could deal with disputes involving workers stationed outside the state.
Background Details
- Who’s Involved: Manish Ashok Badkas (the person complaining) vs. Novartis India Ltd. (the company).
- Location: The company is officially based in Mumbai, but Manish worked in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
- Problem: Manish was fired, supposedly without following the proper steps. He complained in Mumbai, questioning if the Labour Court there had the right to handle his case.
The Debate on Where the Case Should Be Heard
- Manish's Argument: Manish said that since the decision to fire him was made in Mumbai, the Labour Court there should handle it.
- Company's Argument: Novartis argued that because Manish worked outside Maharashtra, the state's courts shouldn’t be involved.
What the Court Decided
- Changing Old Rules: The court found that older decisions saying cases should only be heard where the employee works were changed by newer Supreme Court decisions.
- Important Decisions: If big decisions about an employee are made at a company's main office in Maharashtra, the case can be heard there, even if the employee works somewhere else.
What This Means
- Wider Effects: This decision makes it clear that workers can challenge unfair actions in Maharashtra if important decisions about their job were made there.
- Future Cases: It sets an example for similar cases, giving workers more options to seek justice.
Verdict and Costs
The court agreed with Manish, allowing his complaint to continue in Mumbai. Novartis India Ltd. was ordered to pay ₹50,000 to Manish.
This case shows how labor law is changing, making it clear that workers can seek help in places connected to important job decisions, not just where they work.
