Summary: The Forest Development Corporation in Nashik faced a major legal battle against several employees, including Namdeo Tulshiram Raut, who claimed unfair labor practices. The court ruled in favor of the workers, granting them permanent status after years of temporary work.
The Forest Development Corporation, Nashik, found itself in a legal tangle with numerous employees, among them Namdeo Tulshiram Raut, who were hired as watchmen between 1977 and 1992. These employees argued that they worked continuously for over 240 days each year, yet were not granted permanent status.
The case began with 99 complaints filed under a law meant to protect workers from unfair treatment. The employees, including Namdeo Tulshiram Raut, said that the corporation treated them unfairly.
"Namdeo Tulshiram Raut and other workers were working with the Forest Development Corporation without any break in service since their respective starting dates."
On July 31, 2000, the Industrial Court sided with Namdeo Tulshiram Raut and the other employees, stating that the corporation had indeed treated the workers unfairly. The court noted that the work was ongoing and necessary, requiring the corporation to make the employees permanent.
The corporation appealed the decision, but the High Court, led by Judges G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe, agreed with the Industrial Court's ruling on December 24, 2025.
"The Forest Development Corporation was told to stop these unfair practices and to make Namdeo Tulshiram Raut and the other workers permanent with all the benefits that come with it."
Corporation's Stand: The corporation argued that the employees were temporary and that there were no approved positions available to make them permanent. They claimed that making the workers permanent would cost too much money.
Employees' Stand: The employees, represented by Mr. Kiran Bapat, argued that they had worked continuously and deserved permanent status. They pointed out that the corporation was under government control and should therefore be responsible for making its workers permanent.
The court found that the corporation's argument of lacking approved positions was not valid. The continuous service of Namdeo Tulshiram Raut and the other employees over years entitled them to permanency.
"The judge correctly used the decision of the Supreme Court in similar cases."
The appeals were rejected, and the court ordered the corporation to provide all benefits to Namdeo Tulshiram Raut and the other employees within eight weeks. The decision addressed the long-standing issue of temporary employment practices and set an example for fair treatment of workers.
