M/S Indian Farmers Fertilizer Coop. Ltd vs Industrial Tribunal I, Allahabad & Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the Industrial Tribunal's award that 88 workmen were direct employees of the appellant, rejecting the appellant's claim that they were employed through a contractor under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. The Court found that the evidence indicated the workmen were assigned duties directly by the management and had been in service prior to the contractor's engagement. Consequently, the Court affirmed the Tribunal's decision to reinstate the workmen with back wages and benefits as regular employees.