Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. And Anr. vs Hindustan Aero Canteen K. Sangh And Ors.

The Supreme Court addressed whether the State Government or the Central Government qualifies as the 'Appropriate Government' under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act for Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Relying on the Constitution Bench decision in Steel Authority of India v. National Union Waterfront Workers, the Court ruled that the government exercising control and authority over the organization is the 'Appropriate Government'. Since Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is a Central Government undertaking, the Court held that the Central Government is the appropriate authority, overriding the High Court's contrary finding.