JAMSHEDPUR CONTRACTORS WORKS UNION vs STATE OF BIHAR

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of a reference made under Section 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, regarding the entitlement of contract workers for permanent employment. The Court held that the Industrial Tribunal's decision, which deemed the reference not maintainable, was flawed due to the evolving nature of the contract labour system. The Court substituted the terms of the reference to reflect the current situation, emphasizing the need for a practical approach given the prolonged litigation and changes in the context of the dispute.