FORWARD SEAMEN UNION OF INDIA vs UNION OF INDIA .

The Supreme Court addressed the appeal concerning the employment of 'Bazarmen' in canteens on ships operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services, A&N Administration. The Court upheld the Division Bench's ruling that 'Bazarmen' are not classified as seamen under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and thus have no contractual relationship with the ship owner. The Court concluded that the Single Judge's directives were inconsistent with the provisions of the Act, affirming the contractor's autonomy in recruitment without the involvement of the Seamen's Employment Office.