D. C. DEWAN MOHIDEEN SAHIB AND SONS vs THE INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL, MADRAS

The Supreme Court upheld the Industrial Tribunal's finding that the bidi workers were employees of the appellants, not independent contractors, based on the nature of their work and payment structure. The Court emphasized that the relationship between the appellants and the workers was one of employer and employee, as the contractors acted merely as branch managers. The decision was supported by precedents such as Dharangadhara Chemical Works Ltd. v. State of Saurashtra and others, affirming the Tribunal's conclusion regarding the employment relationship.