In Brief
The Supreme Court reversed a High Court order that had set aside an ESI Court's decision recognizing nine workers as employees of Hindustan Milkfood Manufacturers Ltd. The workers had been engaged on piece-rate basis for more than 10 years (1972–1983 and beyond), with payments made through submitted bills. The High Court reversed the ESI Court's findings without properly examining the evidence. The Supreme Court held that work performed over 10+ years constitutes an employment relationship, and piece-rate payment falls within the statutory definition of 'wages'. The Court criticized the High Court's perfunctory reversal lacking proper reasons and restored the ESI Court's order, allowing the appeal."
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