M/S. COCHIN SHIPPING CO. vs E.S.I. CORPORATION

The Supreme Court upheld the applicability of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, specifically Sections 1(5) and 75, to establishments classified as 'shops'. The Court ruled that the appellant's clearing and forwarding operations at the port of Cochin fell within the definition of a 'shop' as per the Notification issued by the Government of Kerala. The Court emphasized that social security legislation should be interpreted liberally to promote its objectives, thus dismissing the appellant's appeal against the High Court's decision.