SURENDRANAGAR DISTT. PANCHAYAT vs JETHABHAI PITAMBERBHAI

The Supreme Court held that the termination of the respondent's services was illegal as it violated the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, specifically regarding the requirement of providing written notice or payment in lieu thereof. The Court found that the Labour Court's conclusion that the respondent had completed more than 240 days of service was not supported by reliable evidence, and thus the burden of proof lay with the employer to demonstrate otherwise. The Court upheld the Labour Court's decision to reinstate the respondent with back wages, emphasizing the need for adherence to statutory requirements in termination cases.