2011 Supreme(Raj) 2776
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT AT JAIPUR BENCH
Vineet Kothari, J.
Kan Singh - Appellant
Versus
Distt. Ayurved Officer & ors. - Respondent
S.B. Civil Writ Petition 1838 of 1998.
Decided On : 8-12-2011
For the Respondent:Mr. Ashok Chhangani, Advocate.
For the Respondent:Mr. Y.P. Khileri, Advocate.
Headnote:Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 – S. 2(s) and 25F Workman – The appellant workman is a part time worker and the Labour Court denied to grant him relief – held, part time worker comes within the ambit of the word `workman` – further held, the findings of the Labour Court that the workman is not entitled to the benefits of – S. 25 – F only because he is a part time worker are liable to be set aside – allowing the petition, the Court remanded the matter to the Labour Court for a fresh decision.
"17. We are unable to find ourselves in agreement with the view taken by a learned Single Judge in the aforesaid decision. The majority of the High Courts of the country as discussed above have taken the view that even a part time employee is a workman within the definition of the 'workman' as given in Section 2(s) of the Act. In our opinion, the definition of workman as given in Section 2(s) of the Act is comprehensive and wide enough to include even a part time employee. We are of the considered opinion that even a part time employee is covered by the definition of 'workman' as given in Section 2(s) of the Act. With all respects, we are unable to agree with the view expressed by the learned Single Judge of the A.P. High Court.
18. In the instant case, no doubt the petitioner was appointed as a part time employee. He is a workman as defined in the Act. The termination of his service amounts to retrenchment and the retrenchment was made in violation of the provisions of Section 25-F of the Act. He is, therefore, entitled to reinstatement."
"The question for consideration is as to the status of a part-time employee whether such an employee falls within the definition of "workman Section 2(s) of the Act deals with the definition of "workman" whereas Section 25-B talks about "continuous service". A bare perusal of the two definitions reveals that their applicability is not limited to only full-time employees but requirement is that the workman claiming continuous service must fulfill the specific conditions amongst others laid down in the two provisions so as to seek the shelter of Section 25-F. That a workman employed on a part-time basis but under the control and supervision of an employer is a workman in terms of Section 2(s) of the Act, and is entitled to claim the protection of Section 25-F thereof. The preponderance of judicial opinion is that a workman working even on a part-time basis would be entitled to benefit of Section 25-F of the Act."
"12. .........It is true that the daily wagers are not the holders of a post but the expression "condition of service" occurring in Section 33 (1) (a) is not restricted to the holders of post. The expression, "conditions of service" is of wide range and relates to the workmen who may be temporary, ad hoc, dailyrated, permanent, semi-permanent or otherwise.
13. Thus, sweep of the Hon'ble Apex Court's decisions definitely covers the present petitioners before this Court also, who were paid on the basis of job work or piece rate basis. While, it is true that the petitioners were asked to do this repair work only upon