In Brief
Multiple employers and employer associations challenged orders issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 directing them to pay workers full wages without deduction during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The petitioners contended these orders violated Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution and were financially unreasonable. The Government argued the orders were valid welfare measures within its statutory authority and were later withdrawn. The Supreme Court, finding the order withdrawn after 50 days, deferred final merits consideration. It directed interim negotiations between employers and workers through labour authority conciliation, enabling voluntary settlements on wage disputes independent of the mandatory order, while continuing a stay on coercive action.
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