State Of Punjab & Anr vs Surjit Singh & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of the doctrine of 'equal pay for equal work' under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India in the context of daily wage employees of the Punjab Public Health Department. The Court held that the principle should not be applied automatically and requires a thorough examination of the nature, quality, and quantity of work performed, as well as the complete identity of the groups involved. The judgment of the Punjab & Haryana High Court was set aside, emphasizing that the relief under the doctrine must be substantiated by evidence of equal work and conditions.