M/S.B.H.E.L. vs STATE OF U.P.

The Supreme Court upheld the Labour Court's award directing the reinstatement of the respondents (gardeners) and compensation under Section 6-N of the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Court found that the appellant was the principal employer, as evidenced by the control exercised over the workers despite their employment through a contractor. The High Court's dismissal of the appellant's writ petitions was affirmed, and the Court ruled that the appellant must deposit the ordered compensation to avoid criminal proceedings under Section 14-A of the Act.