PUNJAB STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD vs SUDESH KUMAR PURI

The Supreme Court upheld the Labour Court's decision that the termination of the Meter Reader's services by the Punjab State Electricity Board violated Section 25-F of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, as the claimant had worked for over 240 days and was not provided with notice or retrenchment compensation. The Court affirmed the Labour Court's finding that the contract was a camouflage to circumvent the Act's provisions, referencing the precedent set in Steel Authority of India Ltd. v. National Union Waterfront Workers. The appeals by the Board were dismissed, and the claimants' petitions regarding back wages were also dismissed.