MANAGEMENT OF M/S PURI URBAN CO-OP.BANK vs MADHUSUDAN SAHU

The Supreme Court held that the respondent, engaged as an appraiser by the appellant Bank for weighing and testing gold ornaments on a commission basis, did not establish a master and servant relationship as required under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, Section 2(s). The Court found that the respondent had significant autonomy in performing his duties and was not entitled to back wages due to his gainful employment elsewhere. Consequently, the Court allowed the appeal, overturning the lower courts' decisions that had favored the respondent's reinstatement.