In Brief
The Supreme Court invalidated key provisions of Haryana's minimum wage notifications issued under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. The Court held that while the Government can fix minimum wages, it cannot alter other contractual terms or employment conditions. Specifically, the Court struck down: deemed categorization of workers based on experience; minimum wage fixation for security personnel; wage restrictions for unpaid trainees; and limitations on training periods. The Court also clarified that wage segregation into allowances is impermissible. However, contract workers remain covered under the Act. The judgment reaffirms that minimum wage legislation operates only on wages, not on the broader employment contract.
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