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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
Dr. Justice A.D. MARIA CLETE, J
V.S.T.Service Station – Appellant
Versus
Joint Commissioner of Labour-II Authority Under the Minimum Wages Act – Respondent
JUDGMENT :
Heard.
2. The Petitioner is the Management engaged in the business of operating automobile service stations at various locations. The present dispute concerns their service station situated at Cuddalore, which functioned as an authorized service centre for M/s. Tata Motors. Following the termination of their dealership arrangement with Tata Motors, it is claimed that the service station was closed, resulting in the cessation of employment of Respondents 2 to 6, who left their services on 21.12.2016.
3. Respondents 2 to 6, however, filed an application before the 1st Respondent Authority under the Minimum Wages Act , 1948, seeking recovery of alleged unpaid wages in terms of the Minimum Wages Notification, invoking Section 20 of the Act. There was a delay of 3324 days in filing the said application, and therefore, they also filed an interim application seeking condonation of delay. Upon issuance of notice on the interim application, the Petitioner Management filed a counter affidavit, contending that the facts stated therein were erroneous. It was further submitted that the Respondent workmen could not claim that they were paid less than the prescribed minimum wages. Further
The court upheld the authority's decision to condone delay in filing for unpaid wages and awarded compensation, emphasizing compliance with minimum wage laws as a fundamental right.
The authority under the Minimum Wages Act can condone delays in filing claim petitions if sufficient reasons, such as health issues, are demonstrated, emphasizing a liberal construction of the term '....
The main legal point established in the judgment is that while welfare legislation must be applied liberally, the Authority must satisfy itself with sufficient cause for condoning the delay, based on....
The Minimum Wages Act requires a clear showing of sufficient cause for condoning delays in wage claims, and the authority must apply legal standards rigorously rather than grant concessions based on ....
Claims under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, must adhere to prescribed limitation periods; a failure to substantiate reasons for delay in filing requires that such claims be denied or remanded.
The law of limitation is not an equitable statute and is a statute of repose. The petitioner must act with utmost good faith and make a full disclosure of all relevant facts to explain the delay.
The application for minimum wages was timely filed within six months of the last payment, and the employee was entitled to minimum wages as per the Government Resolution.
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