Himachal Pradesh High Court Awards Half Back Wages to Reinstated Electricity Worker

The Himachal Pradesh High Court directed the State Electricity Board to pay fifty per cent back wages with interest to a worker whose termination had been set aside.

Background and legal issue

The Labour Court had ordered reinstatement but denied back wages. The employee maintained that he remained unemployed during the intervening period.

Court’s reasoning and procedural position

The High Court explained that once a workman pleads unemployment after termination, the employer must substantiate any claim that the worker was gainfully employed.

Legal consequence and next step

The award was modified to grant fifty per cent back wages and interest, while reinstatement remained in force.