COLOUR-CHEM LIMITED vs A.L. ALASPURKAR & ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the order of the Labour Court reinstating the respondents with back wages, finding that the dismissal of the workmen for sleeping on duty was grossly disproportionate to the misconduct. The Court noted that while the misconduct was established, the punishment imposed by the management was excessive and constituted an unfair labour practice under Clause (g) of Item 1 of Schedule IV of the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Union & Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971. The Court confirmed the reinstatement order and the back wages awarded by the Labour Court.