Legal Analysis: Balaji Madhukar Konkanwar vs. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation

Citation: 2026 INSC 392
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh (Division Bench)
Judgment Author: Justice Sanjay Karol
Date of Decision: April 20, 2026
Nature of Judgment: Civil Appeal under Article 136 against High Court order setting aside Labour Court’s award of back wages.

Synopsis of the Judgment

The appellant, a daily-wage cleaner, was illegally terminated in 1994 after working for about 13 months. The Labour Court ordered reinstatement with back wages. He was reinstated in 2003 as a daily wager. The Industrial Court in 2007 directed his regularisation from the date of completion of 180 days of service. However, the respondent employer regularised him only in 2011, imposing a further five-year condition. The Labour Court in 2020 granted back wages from October 1993 (when he became eligible) to January 2011 (actual regularisation) with 12% interest. The High Court set this aside. The Supreme Court held that the employer could not deny back wages for the period when the employee was ready and willing to work but was kept out due to the employer’s illegal actions. The Court restored the back wages, reduced interest to 8%, and awarded litigation costs.

1. Basic Information of the Judgment

Field Details Case Title Balaji Madhukar Konkanwar vs. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Civil Appeal No. Arising out of SLP(Civil) No. 21724 of 2022 Bench Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh Date of Decision April 20, 2026 Citation 2026 INSC 392 Appeal From Order dated 01.08.2022 of Bombay High Court (Aurangabad Bench) in Writ Petition (stamp number not fully given)

2. Legal Framework

Laws and Principles Involved:

• Industrial Disputes Act, 1947: Sections 25F, 25H (retrenchment conditions, re-employment of retrenched workmen).

• Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971 (MRTU & PULP Act): Complaint (ULP) proceedings.

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