Labour & Service
Industrial Disputes Act | Application Not Needed For Condonation U/S 33C(1) If 'Sufficient Cause' Is Shown In Main Petition: Karnataka HC
The Karnataka High Court has recently held that a workman is not required to file a separate delay condonation application under Section 33 C (1) [Recovery of money due from an employer] of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The single judge bench of Justice Ananth Ramanath Hegde observed that 'sufficient cause' for delay if pleaded within the application for recovery of arrears under Section...
Myth Of Formalisation: Economic Survey Projections And Governance Challenges In India's Labour Codes
India's new labour codes have been promoted as reforms with the potential to bring major change whose draft rule was issued in December 2025. The Economic Survey 2025–26 presents an optimistic outlook: the codes are expected to raise formalisation from 60.4% to 75.5%, create 77 lakh jobs, lower unemployment, increase female labour force participation, and add 1.25% to GDP by 2029–30. These projections are based on the assumption that simplifying compliance for firms will encourage formalisation...
'Absence Without Leave Cannot Be Treated As Desertion Without Inquiring Into Cause': P&H High Court Grants Relief To CRPF Constable
The Punjab & Haryana High Court has held that absence without leave cannot be treated as desertion without examining whether such absence was wilful. The Court observed that absence by itself does not constitute misconduct unless it is proved to be wilful on the basis of material on record.Justice Sandeep Moudgil was hearing a writ petition filed by a CRPF constable challenging the...
Whistleblowers Have No Locus In Service Matters Unless They Are Directly Aggrieved: Punjab & Haryana High Court
The Punjab & Haryana High Court has held that third parties, including whistleblowers or complainants, do not have locus standi in service matters unless they are directly and substantially aggrieved. The Court observed that service disputes are personal in nature and only a person who has suffered a legal injury can maintain a challenge under Article 226.Justice Harpreet Singh Brar...
Juridical Debates From Banerji To Nine-Judge Bench On 'Industry' Under Industrial Relations Law
The seven decades old judicial debates on 'industry' under the Industrial Relations Law started with the interpretation of the definition Section 2 (j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The first few years of interpretative battle was around the terminology 'undertaking' in the definition. After a 'zigzag' from broader to narrower interpretation, it settled over 'triple test' in Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board v. A. Rajappa, (1978) 2 SCC 213. However, the inconclusive debate...
Electricity Department Strictly Liable In Electrocution Cases, Proof Of Negligence Not Needed: Allahabad High Court
The Allahabad High Court has held that the principle of strict liability is applicable in cases of electrocution and the fault of employees of the electricity company in installing and maintaining the lines is irrelevant. It held that the burden to prove injury is on the person claiming compensation. Holding that the compensation in cases of electrocution must be determined in accordance with...
State Must Prioritise Its Own Employees For Promotion Over Deputationists: P&H High Court To Chandigarh Admin
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that the State is bound to consider the interest of its own employees for promotion on a higher pedestal as compared to persons brought through deputation or transfer. The Court observed that service rules must not operate to prejudice promotional avenues of existing employees in favour of external entrants.A division bench of Justices Harsimran...
State Government Can't Transfer Officers Engaged In SIR Work Without Prior Approval Of Election Commission: Chhattisgarh HC
A Division Bench of the Chhattisgarh High Court comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal held that the transfer of an officer engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls without prior approval of the Election Commission violates Section 13CC of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and therefore, is arbitrary. Background...
Civil Services Rules | 'Awaiting Posting Orders' Can't Be Used To Bypass Disciplinary Process For Alleged Misconduct: Rajasthan High Court
The Rajasthan High Court has set aside the Awaiting Posting Order (APO) against the petitioner who was accused of misconduct, opining that the lawful course of the action was to initiate disciplinary action against the petitioner, instead of bypassing the same by invoking APO order under Rule 25A of Rajasthan Service Rules, 1951 (RSR). The bench of Justice Anand Sharma held that this was...
UP Education Act | Officiating Principal Of Aided Institution To Be Paid Salary Equal To Salary Of Regular Principal: Allahabad High Court
The Allahabad High Court has held that an officiating principal of a grant in-aid institution must be paid a salary equal to that of a principal. However, it also held that holding the post of officiating principal for a long duration will not entitle them to any rights, other than the salary of the principal of the institution. Holding that U.P. Education Service Selection Commission Act,...