Balwant Rai Saluja & Anr Etc.Etc vs Air India Ltd.& Ors

The Supreme Court held that under Section 46 of the Factories Act, 1948, the State Government has the authority to mandate the establishment of canteens in factories employing more than 250 workers. The Court ruled that the workers of Chef Air, a unit of the Hotel Corporation of India, are deemed employees of Air India for the purpose of canteen service provisions, thereby entitling them to the benefits under the Act. The decision clarified the applicability of the Delhi Factory Rules, 1950, and affirmed the obligation of Air India to provide adequate canteen facilities as per the statutory requirements.