In a recent decision, the Bombay High Court decided in favor of four workers who were fired by the Malegaon Municipal Corporation. This affects drivers and firefighters who had been working on short-term contracts for years. The court ordered that they be given their jobs back and made permanent employees.
The workers were first hired on short-term contracts, which were renewed every six months. Even though they worked continuously for the corporation, they were never made permanent employees.
"Their services were continued by further appointment orders dated 11.01.2019 and 06.01.2020 for periods of six months at a time."
In 2019, the workers filed complaints to become permanent employees, arguing that their ongoing work justified it. However, these complaints were rejected in May 2025.
Judge Milind N. Jadhav decided that firing these workers was unfair, especially considering their long service and the importance of their work.
"The impugned orders dated 06.05.2025 are quashed and set aside. All four workers are directed to be taken back and reinstated."
The court also decided that the workers should receive back pay from the date they were fired and be treated as permanent employees from now on.
The workers argued that they had been working alongside permanent staff and deserved the same rights and benefits. Their continuous employment showed that the corporation needed their roles.
The Malegaon Municipal Corporation claimed that money issues prevented them from making the workers permanent. They argued that their spending was already above the government's limits.
"The Respondent Corporation is powerless to make fresh appointments... considering that it has already breached the 35% mark sanctioned by Government."
The court ruled that the four workers should be reinstated and granted permanent status, along with back pay from the date of their termination. This decision ensures job security and fair treatment for the employees.
