UNION OF INDIA vs BASANT LAL .

The Supreme Court upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal's decision that casual labourers who worked for more than 120 days are entitled to temporary status under Chapter XXIII of the Indian Railways Establishment Manual. The Court clarified that the respondents, having worked continuously for over 120 days, were entitled to the rights and privileges of temporary Railway servants, including back wages from 12.5.1991. The appeal by the Union of India was dismissed, and the respondents were directed to be reinstated and compensated accordingly.