AJNALA COOP. SUGAR MILLS LTD. vs SUKHRAJ SINGH

The Supreme Court upheld the Labour Court's award reinstating the respondent, finding the termination of services illegal due to non-compliance with Section 25-F of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Court noted that the appellant failed to provide evidence that the respondent had not completed 240 days of service in the preceding 12 months, as required for lawful termination. The Court emphasized that the burden of proof lies with the employer to demonstrate the workman's service duration, thereby affirming the lower courts' decisions.