EMPLOYEES STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION vs MANGALAM PUBLICATIONS (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

The Supreme Court examined the applicability of the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948 in the context of interim wages paid by a private newspaper company. The Court held that the interim relief provided under the Manisana Wage Board's recommendations does not exempt the employer from paying ESI contributions, as these wages are still considered for the calculation of statutory dues. The High Court's decision to set aside the ESI Court's order was overturned, reinforcing the obligation of employers to contribute to the ESI for all wages paid, including interim relief.