In Brief
Daily-wage employees of Madhya Pradesh who were classified as 'permanent' under Industrial Standing Orders Rules sought contempt remedies, arguing they should receive increments alongside the minimum regular pay-scale granted by the State. The Supreme Court dismissed the petitions, holding that 'permanent' classification (acquired after six months service) differs fundamentally from 'regular' appointment through formal recruitment. While the principle of 'equal pay for equal work' entitles such employees to minimum regular scale salary from specified dates, increments flow only from actual regularisation of service through proper procedures. The State's pay fixation at minimum without increments fully complied with High Court orders and did not constitute contempt.
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