Bombay High Court Links Prolonged Salary Non-Payment to Fundamental Rights

The Bombay High Court held that prolonged non-payment of employee salaries implicates rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution.

Background and dispute

Petitions by teaching and non-teaching staff of Sinhgad Technical Education Society concerned unpaid wages. The Court was informed of substantial arrears owed to former employees and long periods without pay for serving staff.

Legal issue and court’s approach

Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe stressed that wages are central to livelihood. The Court required undertakings concerning payment of dues and information from education authorities on the position of current employees.

Order and practical consequence

The institution and authorities must comply with the salary-payment and reporting directions.