Tests To Determine Employer-Employee Relationship: Supreme Court Discusses

The article outlines a Supreme Court discussion on tests for determining employer-employee relationships under labour statutes like the Industrial Disputes Act and the Factories Act. The Court clarified that control over work, integration into the organisation, method of remuneration, and supervision are key indicators of employment. It stressed that labels in contracts are not decisive; instead, courts must examine the practical reality of control and dependency. The judgment consolidates multiple precedents and reiterates that the ultimate test is whether the person performs duties as part of the employer’s business or as an independent contractor. The decision has major implications for disputes involving gig workers, contractual staff, and statutory benefits.