Case Note & Summary
The dispute arose between the State of Haryana and daily wage workers employed in Haryana Roadways, who sought regularization and equal pay with regular employees. The respondents, thirty-five in number, claimed that they were entitled to the same salary as regular employees due to the similarity of work performed and their educational qualifications. The High Court ruled in favor of the respondents, allowing them to receive the minimum pay applicable to regular employees. The State of Haryana appealed this decision, arguing that the High Court's ruling contradicted established legal principles regarding daily wage workers. The Supreme Court analyzed the principle of 'equal pay for equal work', referencing previous judgments that clarified its application. It noted that daily wage workers are not subject to the same selection criteria or responsibilities as regular employees, and thus cannot be equated for wage purposes. The court emphasized that the principle requires a clear basis of equivalence, which was not demonstrated in this case. Ultimately, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order, affirming that daily wage workers are entitled only to the minimum wages prescribed for their category, not the pay scale of regular employees. The appeal was allowed, and the court directed the State to ensure minimum wages are paid to the workers, with no order as to costs.
Headnote
A) Employment Law - Equal Pay for Equal Work - Applicability of Principle - Constitution of India, Article 14 - The principle of 'equal pay for equal work' requires a clear basis of equivalence between groups of employees, which was not established in this case. The court held that daily rated workers cannot claim the same pay as regular employees without fulfilling the necessary criteria for equivalence (Paras 10-11).
Issue of Consideration
Whether daily wage workers are entitled to the same pay scale as regular employees under the principle of 'equal pay for equal work'.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order, ruling that daily wage workers are entitled only to the minimum wages prescribed for their category, not the pay scale of regular employees. The court directed the State to ensure minimum wages are paid to the workers, with no order as to costs.
Law Points
- equal pay for equal work
- minimum wages
- daily rated workers
- regular employees
- legal principles
