PHILIPS INDIA LTD. vs LABOUR COURT, MADRAS & ORS.

The Supreme Court interpreted Sections 14(1) and 31 of the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947, clarifying that employers must pay overtime wages at twice the ordinary rate for work exceeding the maximum permissible hours, regardless of any lesser hours prescribed by the employer. The Court held that the statutory provisions mandate this payment structure, ensuring employees are compensated fairly for overtime work. The ruling emphasized that the Act's provisions are designed to protect workers' rights to adequate remuneration for extended working hours.