RAM KUMAR MISRA vs STATE OF BIHAR AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, applies to the employment in ferries operating across the Ganges in Bihar, as per Entry 27 of the Schedule, which was amended to include such establishments. The Court interpreted 'establishment' as defined in Section 2(6) of the Bihar Shops and Establishments Act, 1953, confirming that the ferries qualify as establishments engaged in business. Consequently, the workmen employed in these ferries are entitled to minimum wages as specified in the relevant notifications from the State of Bihar.