JUDGMENT

Mrs. Sujata V. Manohar, J.-Spe-cial leave granted.

2. The appellant, Hindustan Steelworks Construction Ltd., is a Government company within the meaning of Section 617 of the Companies Act, 1956. It is engaged in the work of construction of various types in India and abroad. At all times material to this appeal, the appellant had undertaken to carry out civil engineering work for the 5th respondent, Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant under various contracts. The appellant had registered itself as an employer under Section 7 of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970.

3. Respondent No. 4 M/s. Investigation and Security Services India Pvt. Ltd., is a Private Limited Company which carries on the business of providing security services through contract labour for various companies and individuals. It maintains officers and workmen to render, inter alia, security services to various establishments and individuals. Respondent No. 4 at all material times, possessed a licence as a contractor under Section 12 of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, read with Andhra Pradesh Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Rules, 1971.

4. On or about 11th December,