In Brief
Hindustan Sanitaryware and Industries Ltd and another industry challenged notifications issued by Haryana Government fixing minimum wages for different categories of workers. The Supreme Court partly allowed the appeals, holding that the Government exceeded its jurisdiction under the Minimum Wages Act by classifying workers based on experience, restricting training periods, and barring wage segregation. However, contract workers are covered by the Act. Security inspectors do not qualify as 'employees' under the Act. Trainees paid during training are covered, but unpaid trainees are not. Employers cannot recover wages already paid to workers, and workers retain the right to pursue grievances through industrial tribunals.
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