BASTI SUGAR MILLS LTD. vs RAM UJAGAR AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that the respondents are 'workmen' under Section 2(Z) of the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, as they were employed to perform manual work for reward, and the appellant qualifies as an 'employer' under Section 2(i)(iv) since the work was contracted out. The Court ruled that the restrictions imposed on the appellant's right to carry on trade do not violate Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, as they serve the public interest. The Court also clarified that the term 'employed by a factory' includes workers employed by contractors, thus upholding the Labour Court's decision in favor of the respondents.