Christian Medical College vs E.S.I.C

The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act) to the Equipment Maintenance Department of a Medical College. The Court upheld the lower court's ruling that the department is not a separate entity and is integral to the hospital's functioning, thus not subject to ESI Act provisions. The Court clarified that the ESI Act applies to establishments engaged in specified industries, irrespective of their affiliation with larger organizations, affirming the High Court's decision to allow the Letters Patent Appeal.