Punjab & Haryana High Court Says Workers Shouldn’t Be Stranded In “Twilight Years”, Calling Daily-Wagers’ Service Casual Is Morally Unjust

The Punjab & Haryana High Court took a strong moral stance against the practice of labeling long-serving daily-wagers as “casual employees” to deny them the benefits of regular service, particularly when their age or service tenure limits future employment prospects. The Court observed that many workers approach their “twilight years” with uncertainty due to lack of employment security and benefits. It held that when workers have been continuously engaged for many years under daily wage/casual status, denying them regularization is ethically and morally unacceptable. The judgment emphasized the importance of dignity of labor and the constitutional values of fairness and equality. The Court directed authorities to ensure these workers are not left stranded without social security or rights that accrue from long service, especially as they move closer to retirement age or diminished capacity.