SOUTHERN AGENCIES, RAJAHMUNDRY vs A.P. EMPLOYEES STATE INSURANCE CORPN.

The Supreme Court upheld the applicability of the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 to the appellant's various branch offices, ruling that the term 'shop' under the Act encompasses any premises where economic activity leading to sale occurs. The Court clarified that the administrative office can be considered a shop as it supervises sales across branches, thus justifying the aggregation of employees for coverage under the Act. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the Full Bench's decision of the High Court.