In Brief
Four long-serving temporary employees of the Central Water Commission—engaged as cleaners and maintenance staff from 1993 to 2004—sought regularization of their services after the Tribunal and High Court rejected their claims. The Supreme Court allowed their appeal, holding that employees performing essential, continuous duties over extended periods (10–20+ years) with unblemished records are entitled to regularization despite initial contractual labels. The Court distinguished between 'illegal' backdoor appointments (which Uma Devi rejected) and 'irregular' appointments lacking procedural formality but performing sanctioned, necessary functions. Arbitrary termination without notice violated natural justice. The Court quashed termination orders, ordered reinstatement and regularization forthwith, and noted that government must lead by example in fair employment practices rather than misusing temporary contracts to exploit workers.
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