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Kept employee without wages for 81 months: HC imposes ₹2 lakh fine on Haryana CONFED
The Punjab and Haryana High Court fined Haryana State Federation of Consumer Co-operative Wholesale Stores Limited (CONFED) ₹2 lakh for denying wages to a worker for about 81 months (1989-1996). It ordered payment of arrears from Oct 1989 to July 1996 plus 6% interest within three months and criticized repeated non-compliance with court orders. The judgment cites constitutional rights to dignity and highlights state accountability in wage payments.
Why It Matters
The ruling reinforces workers’ wage rights and holds state-backed bodies to account for non-payment, underlining constitutional protections for living standards and dignity.
Timeline
8 Events
HC fines CONFED; orders payment of arrears
May 2, 2026
Punjab and Haryana High Court fined Haryana State Federation of Consumer Co-operative Wholesale Stores Limited (CONFED) ₹2 lakh for denying wages to a worker for 81 months. It ordered payment of arrears and salary for Oct 1989 to July 1996, along with 6% interest, within three months.
Third petition in HC
2006
In 2006, Chand again approached the HC for the third time; the petition was disposed of with a direction to decide his representation.
Contempt petition disposed with assurance
2000
The contempt petition was disposed of in 2000 with assurance that payment would be made as and when funds become available.
Contempt petition filed
1999
In 1999, he filed a contempt petition after the order was not complied.
April 1991 HC directive to pay wages
April 1991
In April 1991, the High Court directed the respondents to release his salary within three months.
Petition filed alleging unpaid wages
1991
He approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging wages were unpaid for Sep 1989 to Jul 1996 (81 months).
Posting to Mandi Dabwali
1983
In 1983, he was posted to the Central Co-operative Consumer Stores Ltd, Mandi Dabwali.
Appointment of Duni Chand as salesman
1979
Duni Chand was appointed as a salesman.