R.K. PANDA vs STEEL AUTHORITY OF INDIA

The Supreme Court ruled that contract labourers who have been continuously employed for 10 to 20 years under various contractors are entitled to be treated as regular employees and receive equal wages. The Court emphasized that the nature of their work was perennial and identical to that of regular employees, thus justifying their absorption into regular employment under the respondent. The Court modified previous interim orders to allow the management to offer options for voluntary retirement or regular employment to the notified workmen, ensuring fair treatment under the Industrial Disputes Act.