Union Of India & Ors vs S.Vettu Perumal

The Supreme Court held that the respondent, who was engaged as a Coolie Messenger on a contract basis and paid hourly, could not be considered an 'employee' for the purposes of regularization or absorption under the principles established in Secretary, State of Karnataka Vs. Umadevi, (2006) 4 SCC 1. The Court set aside the orders of the High Court that directed consideration for absorption, affirming that participation in the tender process does not confer employee status. The appeal by the Union of India was allowed, and the earlier orders were set aside.