#labor law

The Supreme Court ruled that the 35-year age limit for compassionate appointments under the National Coal Wage Agreement must be measured from the date the application process begins, not from when the claim is finally considered. This prevents employers from using procedural delays to disqualify eligible dependents of deceased workers.

The Calcutta High Court ruled that the Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth does not qualify as an “industry” under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, setting aside the tribunal award and dismissing the employee’s claim as a workman. This limits industrial-dispute relief to commercial enterprises, affecting workers in religious institutions.

Karnataka High Court quashes a Labor Court award under the Industrial Disputes Act, holding that a 27-year unexplained delay in raising a dispute constitutes waiver of rights, following the Prabhakar precedent. The ruling reinforces that inordinate delays without justification render claims stale and non-maintainable.

Karnataka High Court upholds dismissal of a BMTC driver for 5-month unauthorized absence, ruling that absence without leave constitutes misconduct warranting disciplinary action regardless of prior leave application. The judgment reinforces employer discretion in service law while mandating case-specific evaluation of post-reinstatement conduct.

Karnataka High Court rules that interest under the Workmen’s Compensation Act continues to accrue until the award amount is physically received by the decree-holder, even if deposited in appeal. Unilateral deposits without compliance with CPC Order XXI do not discharge the liability, reinforcing the executing court’s role in ensuring full payment.

Madhya Pradesh High Court clarifies that Section 33A of the Industrial Disputes Act applies only if termination occurs after dispute initiation, not if decision predates it.