Rajasthan State Ganganagar
S. Mills Ltd. Vs. State of Rajasthan & Anr [2004] Insc 538 (13 September 2004)
Arijit Pasayat & C.K.
Thakker (Arising out of Slp (C) No.11658/2003) Arijit Pasayat, J.
Leave granted.
The respondent No.2 Bhagwan Das (hereinafter referred to as the 'workman')
raised a dispute which was referred by the Government of Rajasthan to the Labour
Court, Sri Ganga Nagar, Rajasthan. The dispute of the workman, inter alia,
was to the effect that though he was appointed as a daily- wages employee on 1st March, 1990 and continued up to 15th July, 1992 without break. His services were
terminated by oral order. It was pleaded that the dispensation of service
amounted to retrenchment and since the provisions of Section 25 (F), (G) and
(H) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (in short the 'Act') were violated he
was entitled to the reinstatement and consequential benefits. The present
appellant (hereinafter referred to as the 'employer') refuted the allegations.
It was specifically stated that the workman had not really worked continuously
from 01.03.1990 to 15.7.1992 as pleaded. On the contrary, the workman was
engaged whenever there was work which was of casual nature. His total period of
engagement during the years 1990, 1991 and 1992 was 56= days, 64 days and 122=
days respectively. He had worked for a total period of 138 days during the
preceding 12 months. Whenever there was an additional work, the engagement was
done. Keeping in view the scope for additional engagement persons were engaged
and there was no violation of any provision of the Act. The Labour Court came
to hold that the total period during which the workman rendered work was more
than 240 days. Though specific direction was given to the employer to produce
the muster roll for the period from 17.6.1991 to 12.11.1991, the same was not
produced. Accordingly it was held that the sanctioned days and the days covered
by the muster roll, which was not produced, taken together indicated that the
workman had worked for more than 240 days. Accordingly direction was given to
reinstate the workman and for paying 30% of the back wages.
The order was challenged before the Rajasthan High Court by filing a Civil
Writ Application bearing No. 2730/2002. A learned Single Judge at the first
instance dismissed the Writ Petition on the ground that muster roll for a
particular period was not produced. It was held that no interference was called
for considering the limited jurisdiction under Articles 226 and 227 of the
Constitution of India, 1950 (in short the 'Constitution'), more particularly
when only 30% of the back wages had been awarded. A Civil Special Appeal was
filed which was also dismissed by the Division Bench holding that since the
retrenchment was found to be invalid on appreciation of evidence and for non
production of relevant document; no interference is called for.
In support of the appeal learned counsel for the appellant submitted that
both the Labour Court and the High Court fell into error by placing burden on
the employer to prove that the concerned workman has not worked for more than
240 days. The Labour Court failed to notice that even if the period for which
the muster roll was not produced is reckoned; then also the requirement of 240
days work during twelve months preceding alleged date of termination is not
established.
Per contra, learned counsel for the respondent-workman submitted that as the
Labour Court has taken into account all relevant factors, no interference is
called for. According to him the workman has clearly established that he worked
for more than 240 days during the relevant period.
It was the case of the workman that he had worked for more than 240 days in
the concerned year. This claim was denied by the appellant. It was for the
claimant to lead evidence to show that he had in fact worked up to 240 days in
the year preceding his termination. He has filed an affidavit. It is only his
own statement which is in his favour and that cannot be regarded as sufficient
evidence for any Court or Tribunal to come to the conclusion that in fact the
claimant had worked for 240 days in a year. These aspects were highlighted in
Range Forest Officer v. S.T. Hadimani (2002 (3) SCC 25).
No proof of receipt of salary or wages for 240 days or order or record in
that regard was produced. Mere non-production of the muster roll for a
particular period was not sufficient for the Labour Court to hold that the
workman had worked for 240 days as claimed. Even if that period is taken into
account with the period as stated in the affidavit filed by the employer the
requirement prima facie does not appear to be fulfilled. The following period
of engagement which was accepted was 6 days in July 1991, 15 = days in November
1991, 15= days in January 1992, 24 days in February 1992, 20= days in March
1992, 25 days in April 1992, 25 days in May 1992, 7= days in June 1992 and 5=
days in July 1992. The Labour Court demanded production of muster roll for a
period of 17.6.1991 to 12.11.1991. It included this period for which the muster
roll was not produced and come to the conclusion that the workman had worked
for more than 240 days without indicating as to the period to which period
these 240 days were referable.
In our view the Labour Court and the High Court have failed to consider the
statutory requirements in their proper perspective. One of the stands taken by
the employer was that the engagement was made keeping in view the temporary
needs and it was seasonal in character.
No definite finding was recorded by the Labour Court or the High Court in
that regard.
We, therefore, remit the matter to the Labour Court to consider the evidence
and come to a definite conclusion as to whether the workman had worked for 240
days during the period claimed. While considering the matter afresh, the aspect
of need of engagement shall also be examined. If the engagement is found to be
not for 240 days during the relevant period, then this aspect may not be
considered. In case the Labour Court comes to a finding in the affirmative its
original order shall be maintained subject to consideration of the seasonal
need aspect. If its answer is in negative the Labour Court shall pass
appropriate orders.
The Appeal is accordingly disposed of. No costs.
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