In Brief
Contract workers employed by a contractor at an industrial facility sought equal wages with permanent employees under the Contract Labour Rules, 1971. The High Court had rejected their claim based on: examining only one witness, comparing them unfavourably to Five Star Hotel workers, and finding minor differences in work. The Supreme Court set aside this order, holding that a single witness's testimony can suffice if properly cross-examined; Rule 25 protects contract workers regardless of recruitment source; such comparison was discriminatory and violated equal protection; and minor variations (like which items are cooked) do not justify denying equal wages. The Court remanded the case for fresh adjudication."
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.