The Supreme Court has directed Bihar and Jharkhand to pay a one-time Rs 1 lakh to each daily-wage worker of five defunct corporations of erstwhile Bihar, with 12% simple interest on delayed provident fund dues and 6% on delayed salary and other dues, while closing the exercise to trace remaining employees with a 12-month window for claims.
The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that women doctors cannot be denied salaries during maternity leave once leave is granted under service rules. The Court ruled maternity benefits are constitutional rights flowing from dignity, equality and reproductive autonomy, not government charity.
Today, On 16th February, The Supreme Court will hear the long-pending 9-judge bench reference on the meaning of industry under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act on March 17. The CJI said, “This is the first matter in this court before a nine-judge bench. And I want to start CVs from this very matter. The first, we’ll go by schedule, hopefully.”
The Patna High Court ruled that merely participating in a strike cannot automatically lead to termination of service unless the strike is illegal or the employee is guilty of misconduct. The Court held that termination without enquiry, notice or due process violates principles of natural justice and constitutional rights.
The Supreme Court of India affirmed that businesses have a fundamental right to shut down under Article 19(1)(g), adhering to labor laws. If the State does not respond within 60 days, closure is automatically approved. The ruling emphasized that employers must show valid reasons beyond financial hardship to justify shutdowns, ensuring workers’ rights are protected.
