JUDGMENT

S. Saghir Ahmad, J.-Female workers (muster roll), engaged by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (for short, the Corporation ), raised a demand for grant of maternity leave which was made available only to regular female workers but was denied to them on the ground that their services were not regularised and, therefore, they were not entitled to any maternity leave. Their case was espoused by the Delhi Municipal Workers Union (for short, the Union ) and, consequently, the following question was referred by the Secretary (Labour), Delhi Administration to the Industrial Tribunal for adjudication :-

"Whether the female workers on Muster Roll should be given any maternity benefit? If so, what directions are necessary in this regard?"

2. The Union filed a statement of claim in which it was stated that Municipal Corporation of Delhi employs a large number of persons including female workers on muster roll and they are made to work in that capacity for years together though they are recruited against the work of perennial nature. It was further stated that the nature of duties and responsibilities performed and undertaken by the muster roll employees are the same as those of the r