Here's a breakdown of a recent court decision where the Forest Development Corporation in Nashik faced off against several employees over labor practices.
The Forest Development Corporation, Nashik, was involved in a legal battle with multiple employees, all of whom were hired as watchmen between 1977 and 1992. These employees, including Shri Kashinath Rama Choudhary, said the company was treating them unfairly. They claimed they worked continuously for over 240 days each year without being made permanent employees.
The employees filed complaints under the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971. They argued that their work was permanent and ongoing, yet they were denied the benefits of permanent employment.
"The employees, including Shri Kashinath Rama Choudhary, were working with the Forest Development Corporation without any break in service... hence, the corporation was under an obligation to regularize the services of these employees."
The Forest Development Corporation argued that it was not a state department but a government-controlled entity, and thus, not obligated to make temporary positions permanent. They claimed that the employment was under a government plan with no permanent jobs available.
"The Forest Development Corporation opposed each of the complaints by filing written statements... it was not a department of the State Government."
On July 31, 2000, the Industrial Court ruled in favor of the employees, recognizing the unfair labor practices. It directed the corporation to grant permanent status to the employees, including Shri Kashinath Rama Choudhary, from April 1, 1998, with back pay for benefits.
The Forest Development Corporation appealed the decision, but the High Court agreed with the Industrial Court's ruling on December 24, 2025. Judges G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe found no merit in the appeals, emphasizing the continuous nature of the employees' work.
"The appeals have remained pending... they are now being disposed of by this common judgment."
The court confirmed that the employees, including Shri Kashinath Rama Choudhary, should receive all benefits as permanent workers, dismissing the corporation's arguments about lack of sanctioned posts. This decision underscores the legal rights of workers who consistently work beyond temporary terms.
