Management, The Assistant Salt ... vs Secretary, Central Salt Mazdoor Union

The Supreme Court held that the Assistant Salt Commissioner was not justified in refusing regular employment to the respondents, who had been working as Platform Mazdoors for 10 to 30 years under the Salt Department. The Court emphasized that the respondents were effectively employees of the Department, as evidenced by their long-term service, disciplinary proceedings, and benefits provided by the Department. The Court upheld the Labour Court's decision, affirming the respondents' entitlement to regularization under the provisions of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944 and relevant rules.