JOSEPH JOSEPH vs STATE OF KERALA .

The Supreme Court held that under Section 2(c) of the Kerala Toddy Welfare Fund Act, 1969, the definition of 'employer' includes any person who employs workers, directly or indirectly. The Court found that the appellants, despite being employees of the licensee Joy Kourian, were also conducting the business and thus deemed employers liable for the welfare fund contributions. The High Court's ruling that the appellants were responsible for the payment of Rs.72,048 and interest was upheld, affirming their liability under the Act.