Key Labour Law Insights

Tamil Nadu (Madras)

If an employer invests in training an employee, the employee can be required to serve for a minimum period afterward. This is considered fair and not against public policy.
Employers have the authority to assign tasks; employees cannot decide the nature of work themselves.
Reinstatement of a workman at the age of 70 is possible when no age of retirement is prescribed.
An injunction cannot stop an ex-employee from working elsewhere unless it unfairly restricts their right to employment.
Delinquent employees do not have the right to engage legal counsel in departmental enquiries unless specifically allowed.
A civil suit against a trade union is not maintainable.

Delhi

An employee provided accommodation by the employer is treated as a licensee, not a tenant.
Bank employees must maintain absolute integrity and honesty in their work.
An employee cannot continue to occupy employer’s accommodation after termination of service.
A female contractual employee working more than 80 days is entitled to maternity benefits.
Failure of agitating workers to give an undertaking for good behaviour does not amount to a lock-out by the employer.
Internal Committees under the Sexual Harassment Act can enforce attendance.
Employees have the fundamental right to change jobs freely.
An employee cannot prescribe work for themselves; it is the employer’s prerogative.

Madhya Pradesh

Maharashtra

Changing the prices of canteen items by the employer does not amount to a change in service conditions.
Settlements that are less favourable to employees cannot override certified standing orders.

Karnataka

Employee transfers require either consent or a contractual clause allowing it.
Directors do not automatically qualify as ‘employers’ under the EPF Act.
Disciplinary authorities are not bound by criminal court decisions when deciding internal matters.

Odisha

Employment cards cannot be used to assume additional terms of employment beyond identity purposes.
Forgery of gate passes is a serious misconduct warranting major punishment.

West Bengal (Calcutta)

Employees cannot be retired at 58 unless it is explicitly mentioned in the service rules.
If an employer shifts operations, employees cannot object as long as service conditions remain unchanged.

Chhattisgarh

Two units can be clubbed under the EPF Act if they are interdependent.
A person can be tried under both the Factories Act and the Indian Penal Code for the same offence.

Uttar Pradesh (Allahabad)

When both husband and wife are employed and entitled to House Rent Allowance, only one can claim it.
Ex-gratia payments are discretionary and cannot be claimed as a matter of right.

Gujarat