BARAT FRITZ WERNER LTD. vs STATE OF KARNATAKA

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of contract labour in the context of the Factories Act, 1947, particularly Section 46, which mandates the provision of canteens in factories with more than 250 workers. The Court held that employees working in canteens established under this section are to be considered employees of the factory, thereby reinforcing the principle that contract workers must be absorbed into the main workforce when statutory obligations are in place. The judgment builds on previous rulings, including Saraspur Mills Co. Ltd. vs. Ramanlal Chimanlal and M.M.R.Khan vs. Union of India, establishing a clear legal framework for the treatment of contract workers in industrial settings.