In Brief
The Supreme Court allowed appeals by Kerala State and the Kerala State Beverages Corporation concerning rehabilitation of arrack workers displaced by a 1996 ban. In 2002, the Government promised 25% of future daily-wage vacancies to all displaced workers. In 2004, this was modified to benefit only dependent sons of deceased workers (age under 38). The Court held that the 2002 order created no vested right of employment, only an expectation to be considered. The 2004 modification, taken due to acute practical difficulties (12,500 workers vs. 51 vacancies), was justified by public interest and did not violate fundamental rights. While procedural fairness normally requires hearing before withdrawing benefits, the Court recognized an exception when policy affecting vast numbers is revised in the public interest.
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