WB Temporary Workers: Smiles on the Faces of Temporary Workers, Supreme Court Upholds High Court’s Verdict

WB Temporary Workers: This is a big relief for the temporary workers employed under the West Bengal government. In a landmark order, the Supreme Court has upheld the verdict of the Calcutta High Court and stated that all financial benefits must be provided to the state’s part-time sweepers (Karmabandhu). This verdict has brought a ray of hope for thousands of temporary workers in the state who have been fighting for their rights for a long time.

The bench of Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has dismissed the Special Leave Petition filed by the West Bengal government, paving the way for the workers to receive their benefits.

Background of the Case: The Battle in the Calcutta High Court

The case began in the Calcutta High Court. A few temporary cleaning staff working under the state’s Food and Supply Department approached the court demanding their pending financial benefits and equal rights for equal work.

• Initially, based on a memorandum dated January 27, 2017, the tribunal ruled in favor of the petitioners and ordered that all their benefits be given.
• However, later on, that verdict was canceled on February 3, 2022, which was a major setback for the workers.
• But the workers did not give up. They approached the High Court again. The High Court ruled in favor of the workers based on an old memorandum dated September 16, 2011.
• The court clearly directed that all pending financial benefits from July 2016 must be paid to the petitioners within 90 days.

The Final Verdict of the Supreme Court

Challenging this verdict of the Calcutta High Court, the West Bengal government filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court.

However, due to the delay in filing the petition, the court questioned the role of the state government. Finally, on August 18, 2025, the country’s highest court announced its final verdict in this case.

• The Supreme Court stated that it found no reasonable ground to interfere with the Calcutta High Court’s verdict under Article 136 of the Indian Constitution.
• As a result, the High Court’s verdict was considered final, and the state government’s petition was dismissed.
• Following this verdict, the state government must immediately provide all kinds of financial benefits, such as pending salaries, allowances, and other facilities, to the petitioning workers.

What is the Impact on Temporary Workers?

This verdict of the Supreme Court has set an example not only for the petitioning workers but for all temporary workers in West Bengal. It proves that it is possible to achieve one’s rights through legal battles. However, this benefit will not automatically reach all workers.

Those temporary workers who are still deprived of their due rights will have to take legal action on their own initiative. This verdict will serve as a strong legal basis in their fight. Through continuous effort and the right legal path, other temporary workers in the state can ensure their financial and social security.