M/S PEPSICO INDIA HOLDING PVT LTD vs KRISHNA KANT PANDEY

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision that the respondent qualifies as a 'workman' under Section 2(z) of the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, thereby allowing the writ petition and quashing the Industrial Tribunal's dismissal of the respondent's reference. The Court emphasized that the termination of the respondent's services was contrary to Section 6 of the Act, as he was engaged in skilled work and had been wrongfully terminated without due process. The Court directed the Tribunal to decide the case on merits, reinforcing the legal principle that employees classified as workmen are entitled to protection under the Act.