Statutory Canteen Workers Are Principal Employer's Employees, Industrial Court Has Jurisdiction: Bombay High Court Rules Workers Entitled To Fair Treatment

The Bombay High Court ruled that workers in statutory canteens are employees of the principal employer, entitling them to fair treatment. The Industrial Court has jurisdiction over such matters, affirming the rights of these workers despite any intermediary contractor's involvement. The Court stressed that statutory canteen workers should be treated as direct employees of the company that operates the factory where the canteen is located, reinforcing employer responsibilities under labor laws.