S. K. VERMA vs MAHESH CHANDRA AND ANOTHER

The Supreme Court held that Development officers in the Life Insurance Corporation are 'workmen' under Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Court emphasized that the definitions within the Act should be interpreted broadly to promote the objectives of industrial peace and harmony, rather than restrict the rights of employees. The ruling overturned the Industrial Tribunal's decision that excluded Development officers from the definition of workmen, affirming their entitlement to the protections afforded by the Act.