1969 (10) TMI 81 - SC - Indian Laws

Timekeepers at workshop classified as workers under Factories Act, eligible for overtime wages.

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the High Court, affirming that timekeepers at a workshop could be classified as 'workers' under the Factories ... - Issues:Interpretation of the definition of 'worker' under s. 2(1) of the Factories Act in relation to employees performing clerical duties.Analysis:The case involved an appeal challenging an order regarding the classification of certain employees as 'workers' under the Factories Act. The respondents, timekeepers at a workshop, claimed they were entitled to overtime wages. The lower court dismissed their claim, stating their duties were clerical and not directly connected to the manufacturing process. However, the Additional District Judge overturned this decision, finding the work of the respondents incidental to the manufacturing process. The High Court upheld this decision on revision.The main issue before the Supreme Court was whether the timekeepers could be considered 'workers' under the Factories Act. The appellant argued that the duties of the respondents lacked a direct connection to the manufacturing process, thus excluding them from the definition of 'worker.' Reference was made to legal dictionaries to support this argument.The Court examined the definition of 'worker' under the Factories Act, which includes those involved in manufacturing processes or work incidental to it. The Court noted the wide scope of the definition, encompassing various activities related to manufacturing. The learned Additional District Judge's factual findings on the nature of the respondents' work were considered binding, and the High Court's decision was upheld.The Court also discussed the legislative intent behind the Act, emphasizing its aim to regulate labor in factories and promote general welfare. The deletion of certain words in the definition of 'worker' from the previous Act was analyzed to understand the legislative changes. Ultimately, the Court concluded that the respondents, despite performing clerical duties, fell within the definition of 'worker' based on their responsibilities at the workshop.In light of the above analysis, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the decision of the High Court. The appellant's argument regarding the exclusion of clerical employees from the definition of 'worker' was rejected, and the respondents were deemed eligible for overtime wages under the Factories Act.