Novartis India Ltd vs State Of West Bengal & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of back wages for employees terminated due to non-compliance with transfer orders. The Court held that the Industrial Tribunal and the High Court erred in not awarding back wages, emphasizing that the termination was unjustified as the employees had raised a legitimate industrial dispute. The Court ruled that the employees were entitled to back wages from the date of termination until the date of the Tribunal's award, thereby reinforcing the principles of fair labor practices under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.