Kanta Devi Vs. State of Haryana [1993] INSC 219 (15 April 1993)
Ahmadi, A.M. (J) Ahmadi, A.M. (J) Yogeshwar Dayal (J)
CITATION: 1994 SCC Supl. (2) 508
ACT:
HEAD NOTE:
WITH ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT CO. LTD. V. STATE OF HARYANA
ORDER Having heard Mrs Shayamla Pappu at length, we are not persuaded that any interference is called for in these two appeals. All that has been insisted upon is that if the category of Learners is brought into existence then the payment to that category shall not be less than the lowest minimum wage prescribed for an unskilled worker in that industry. We propose to make it clear that we do not go into the question whether the relationship of master and servant comes into being if any one is placed in the category of a Learner. All that the Department says is that although under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act the category of Learners has not been included therein, if an industry creates such a category, it will not be permitted to pay less than the minimum for the lowest 509 level employee in that industry, namely, an unskilled workman. The basic idea is to avoid exploitation by the management by creating different category outside the recognised categories of workers in respect of whom minimum wages are fixed under the law. This being the objective, we do not see any reason why we should interfere with the order of the court below. Hence, both appeals are dismissed with no order as to costs.
