The Management Of The Tata Iron&Steel; ... vs Chief Inspecting Officer&Ors.;

The Supreme Court upheld the Patna High Court's ruling that Tata Main Hospital qualifies as an 'establishment' under Section 2(6) of the Bihar Shops and Establishments Act, 1953. The Court rejected the appellant's argument that the hospital, primarily serving its employees and their families, is exempt as a charitable institution under Section 4(2). The Court emphasized that the hospital's operations, including treating non-employees for a fee, indicate it functions as a commercial establishment, thus affirming the applicability of the Act.