In Brief
A company challenged a Labour Court order directing it to pay wage arrears to a former employee. The Supreme Court held that a Labour Court under Section 33(C)(2) of the Industrial Disputes Act operates like an executing court, interpreting and enforcing existing awards or settlements. When an employer disputes the very existence of an employment relationship, the Labour Court cannot adjudicate that disputed fundamental issue. Such disputes must first be resolved through proper adjudication (e.g., under Section 10). Only after employment is established can wage differences be computed. The Court set aside the Labour Court's order and directed the employee to pursue appropriate proceedings to first establish his employment status.
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