#Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act 1971

Bombay High Court rules that an employer's failure to provide a fair opportunity to justify dismissal under the MRTU & PULP Act violates principles of natural justice, rendering reinstatement void. The court awarded Rs. 15 lakh compensation, balancing 16 years of service against unauthorized absence, setting a precedent for compensation in lieu of reinstatement where procedural fairness is breached.

Bombay High Court clarifies that a Quality Assurance Supervisor, despite supervisory duties, falls under the definition of 'workman' under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, entitling wrongful termination compensation. The court rejected presumptive findings of post-termination employment and awarded Rs. 20 lakh for denial of backwages, reinforcing protections for non-managerial supervisory roles.