High Court of KeralaDivision BenchWrit Appeal is allowed to the extent noted; sta...

WA No. 1942 of 2022 (Lakhya Dhingia and others v. Assistant Labour Officer, Ernakulam District Circle & Others)

Case / Petition Number:WA No. 1942 of 2022

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR
  • MOHAMMED NIAS C.P.
Judgment Date
2022-12-20
Court Decision / Holding
Writ Appeal is allowed to the above extent. The Division Bench maintains the Single Judge’s direction to consider the 125 registration applications within a reasonable time and permits the appellants to be employed or engaged in head load work under their employers pending registration. The court also cites ILR 2022 (3) Kerala 688 for guidance on attached workers and registration.
Final Disposition
Writ Appeal is allowed to the extent noted; status quo maintained; registration to be considered; appellants may be employed or engaged to do head load work pending registration.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • LAKHYA DIHINGIA
  • RAJIB BHUYAN
  • RAHIM ALI
  • BHISHMA GOGAI
  • JAGIR HUSSAIN
  • SHAMIN SHAN P E
  • ANWAR HUSSAIN
  • TAHER ALI
  • MUHAMMED JAVAD T.
  • SHIJEESH C. PINNAKKADAVIDA
  • SADDAM HUSSAIN ICHLAM NAGAR
  • RAMTULLAH MIYAN KAWILASAWA
  • SIVRAJ MANGAR BUNDAPANI
  • BESTO THOMAS KOLATTUKUDY
  • JIAUR RAHMAN RAMANIPATHAR
  • MOKTAR HUSSAIN KANDAPARA
  • AZAHAR UDDIN PHOLIAMARI
  • BADANUL ISLAM MAYONG
  • SAIDALI J MALIYAKKAL HOUSE
  • KIRAN TAMANG BUNDAPANI
  • BASANT THAPA
  • SHEREEF M H.
  • MUJAKIR ALI DHANEKHPWA
  • SIJU V.K.
  • SANJU BARASKAR MAJARWANI
  • SATISH PIPARDE MAJARWANI
  • RANJAN ROY MANDIR MOWAMARI
  • SUBAIR, MEENKUZHI
  • RAMKISHOR BARASKAR MAJARWANI
  • KIRAN TAMANG BANDAPANI
  • MANTOO KUMAR PURI GUDGUDI
  • JABIR M. MUKKAD
  • TAFAJUL HUSSAIN MADHABPARA
  • SURAJ KUMAR KIRHINDI
  • MERAJUL S K. NATIAL MASJIDPARA
  • RAHUL MANDAL NATIAL MARJIDPARA
  • MOSTAKIN MONDAL NATIAL
  • PRASAD THAPA BANDAPANI
  • MANOJ THAPA BANDAPANI
  • DARSAN BHUJEL UPPER LINE
  • PABAN MANGAR NEW LINE
  • ANSAR K. S. KILIPARABU
  • SAJEER P.K. POKKALIL CHANDIROOR
  • ANURAG THAPA NEW PAKA LINE
  • ABDULLA UJANMARI
  • IBRAHIM KUTTY VAYALOATH VAYALPATH HOUSE
  • MURSHID HOSSAIN MOLLA NATUN DIGREE
  • ANTONY FRANCIS C. CHERUPULLY
  • MUHAMMED JABIR K P. MASJID FLAT
  • NITISH KUMAR LALI TOLA
  • TABJUL ALI
  • UMESH CHOUDHARI
  • BIDHAN DARJEE CHHOTO LINE
  • A. H. FATHAH MUHAMMED KANAVATH HOUSE
  • KARAN THAPA
  • MONTU HAZARIKA AKAAGELUBA FAON
  • BINUD PATAR
  • AJAY THAPA BANDAPANI
  • CHEBANG TAMANG TEA GARDEN
  • K.Y. SHIYAS
  • SAFIKUL SEKH JANNAGAR
  • SHANAVAS M. K.M. MANZIL
  • DHANBAHADUR RAI
  • ABDUL MANAF P.P. PANTHAPILAKKAL HOUSE
  • RAJIV SHARMA
  • SAIDUL ISLAM 27
  • RASIDUL HAQUE REKAPAHAR
  • AMIR HUSSAIN. HATIGAON
  • SALIM V.M. SAJANA MANSIL
  • AVISEK BISWAKARMA BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN
  • ARJUN LAMA WAYBABUSTY
  • SUBHASH TAMANG NEPALI LANE
  • ASHIB ALI NH 38 ROAD
  • ABDUL LATHEEF MADATHIPPARAMBIL HOUSE
  • SHIJU K.P. KUTTIPPALAKKAL HOUSE
  • LAMA TILAK
  • RIYAS HUSSAIN
  • TIJI PUTHUPARAMBIL
  • BIKKI THAPA
  • NAR BAHADUR CHHETRI
  • NUMAL RARNCHIYARI JANAKALYAN
  • OMPRAKASH DHOTE GOREGAON AMAL
  • RAKIBUL ALI MOJJID
  • NIRAJ TAMANG GUMBA LINE
  • ASADUL ISLAM
  • A.A. ABDUL GAFOOR
  • ASHNAZ K.A.
  • RANTU DUTTA KHEREMA GAON
  • NASIR UDDIN
  • ANOOP THANKAPPAN KATTUPARAMPIL
  • JAFAR ALI K. MUTHUKUNNI
  • IQBAL K.J.
  • NASMUDHEEN P.A.
  • ASHIK LAMA NEW LINE
  • AKIBUR RAHMAN L.P. SCHOOL DHANEKHOWA
  • AMRADUL ISLAM PUB SALPARA
  • ANAR HUSSAIN NO.9
  • KUSHAL LAMA BANDAPANI
  • ABHINASH TAMANG
  • AFROJ ALAM KABLESWA
  • HANIF S.K.
  • SOHEL S.K. NATIL
  • ANISUR ALAM NATIAL
  • TANKESWAR SAIKIA
  • DULAL BORA
  • NAYAN LALUNG
  • MONTU PHUKAN
  • NISAMUDEEN M.M.
  • AJIJUL HAMID
  • SALIM MUHAMMED
  • KEROBIN
  • GOUR CHANDRA MANDAL
  • ANSUR
  • MAJIBUR RAHMAN
  • FAISAL
  • MUHAMMED NIZAMUDEEN T.N.
  • MAHENDRA PRADHAN
  • SUJIT THAPA
  • KALU LAMA
  • SOHEL S.K.
  • SIVAN E.C.
  • SHAMEER K. KARIMKUNNATH
  • NAZAR V.M.
  • ANARUL BAITHA KABILASWA
  • SANDIP MAHALI TEA GARDEN

Respondents

  • ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICER, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT CIRCLE, KAKKANAD, KOCHI
  • KERALA HEADLOAD WORKERS WELFARE BOARD - KHWWB
  • THE ERNAKULAM DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF KERALA HEAD LOAD WORKERS' WELFARE FUND BOARD
  • KERALA HEAD LOAD WELFARE FUND BOARD SUB OFFICE THRIPUNITHURA
  • MARADU MARKET TRADERS ASSOCIATION REG.NO.ER-391/08
  • ABDUL WAHAB PROPRIETOR, A K M FRUITS
  • ABDUL NASSAR P.E. PROPRIETOR, INDIAN FRUITS
  • THOMAS PROPRIETOR, ROOM NO.P4/41-42, A U W MARKET, NETTOOR PO, KOCHI

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • Sri. N. Sukumaran
  • • Sri. V.K. Balachandran

Counsels for Respondents

  • • Sri. K.S. Arun Kumar
  • • Sri. B. Unnikrishna Kaimal

Case Synopsis & Summary

The Writ Appeal arises from WP(C) 37246/2022 challenging the denial of registration as attached head load workers at the Urban Wholesale Market, Maradu. The appellants, head load workers employed in market shops, had submitted 125 applications before the Assistant Labour Officer, Ernakulam, seeking registration under the Kerala Head Load Workers Act, 1978. Their prayers sought (i) immediate consideration of Exts. P1–P21 within a time limit, and (ii) a direction to respondents 2–4 not to deputize head load workers in the market till registration was processed. The learned Single Judge directed the first respondent to consider the 125 applications within one month after hearing, in accordance with law. Dissatisfied with the refusal to grant the second prayer (status quo), the appellants contended that a decision on registration should be expedited and that operations in the market should not be disrupted. The Division Bench, citing Kerala Head Load Workers Welfare Board v. Hishad M.B. & Others (ILR 2022 (3) Kerala 688), held that an attached worker need not initially be registered as a headload worker and may be engaged in headload work in the employer’s establishment, with registration to follow under Rule 26A; it further clarified that the 1983 Scheme does not cover such attached workers. On these grounds, the court allowed the appeal to the extent noted.

Provisions of Law Cited

Kerala Head Load Workers Act, 1978Kerala Head Load Workers Welfare Scheme, 1983Rule 26AClause 6 of the Scheme

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • An attached worker does not have to be registered as a headload worker for doing headload work; registration under Rule 26A can follow once he starts headload work.
  • So long as an employed/engaged worker remains attached to the employer’s establishment, they will not fall under the 1983 Scheme; Clause 6 of the Scheme is not attracted in such cases.

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The appellants argued that their 125 applications for registration as attached head load workers were pending before the Assistant Labour Officer. They sought a direction to decide/extinguish within a time frame and to refrain from deputing head load workers in the Urban Wholesale Market, Maradu until registration was processed. Relying on the panel’s precedent, they contended that attachment to an establishment allows headload work to continue while registration follows under Rule 26A, and that the 1983 Scheme does not automatically cover attached workers.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents contended that registration must be considered in accordance with statutory provisions and that the market’s operations must be regulated. They relied on the existing Scheme and the precedent that attached workers are not automatically governed by the 1983 Scheme, emphasizing procedural compliance and the need for orderly enforcement of head load regulations.

Cited Precedents (1)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Kerala Head Load Workers Welfare Board v. Hishad M.B. And OthersILR 2022 (3) Kerala 688PositiveCourt relies on this decision for directions clarifying that attached workers need not be immediately registered and that registration under Rule 26A can follow while continuing headload work; it also clarifies coverage under the 1983 Scheme.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR** ## **&** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED NIAS C.P.** **TUESDAY, THE 20[TH] DAY OF DECEMBER 2022 / 29TH AGRAHAYANA, 1944** ## **WA NO. 1942 OF 2022 AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENTWP(C) 37246/2022 OF HIGH COURT OF KERALA** ## **APPELLANT/S:** - 1 LAKHYA DIHINGIA,AGED 35 YEARS THARALIPATHAR, NILAKH, BORBAM GAON, DHEMAJI, ASSAM, PIN - 786110 - 2 RAJIB BHUYAN,BIJOYPUR GAON, DHODANG CHAPORI, JORHAT, ASSAM, PIN - 785104 - 3 RAHIM ALI,HARAMJAR BAKSA, ASSAM, PIN - 781346 4 BHISHMA GOGAI,NILAKH TARANI, PATHAR, NO:1NILAKKONCHAGAON, DHEMAJI, ASSAM, PIN - 786110 - 5 JAGIR HUSSAIN,AMAGURI VILLAGE, P S KAMPUR, NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782140 - 6 SHAMIN SHAN P E,NAAS VILLA, T C ROAD, CHIRAKKARA P.O., KANNUR, PIN - 670104 - 7 ANWAR HUSSAIN,35-BARPUTIA, KAPILIKAN, ISLAMNAGAR, JAMUNAMUKH, NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782428 - 8 TAHER ALI,RAJAALI, JURIPAR, KAMPUR, SUB DIVN. NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782426 - 9 MUHAMMED JAVAD T.,PAMBERY HOUSE, MOKERY, KANNUR, PIN - 670692 - 10 SHIJEESH C. PINNAKKADAVIDA, CHAMPAD PO., MOKERI, KANNUR, PIN - 670694 :2: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 - 11 SADDAM HUSSAIN ICHLAM NAGAR, BORPALIA, NAGAON, JAMUNAMUKH, ASSAM, PIN - 782428 - 12 RAMTULLAH MIYAN KAWILASAWA, GHOGHA, WEST CHEMPARAN, BIHAR, PIN - 845449 - 13 SIVRAJ MANGAR BUNDAPANI, BANDAPANI, TEA GARDEN, \WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 14 BESTO THOMAS KOLATTUKUDY HOUSE, VADAKKUMBHAGAM, MANJAPARA, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 683581 - 15 JIAUR RAHMAN RAMANIPATHAR, JUNPAR, NAGAONKAMPUR, ASSAM, PIN - 782426 - 16 MOKTAR HUSSAIN KANDAPARA, KACHUA NO.1,NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782426 - 17 AZAHAR UDDIN PHOLIAMARI, PATHAR, MARIGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782127 - 18 BADANUL ISLAM MAYONG, GAGALMARI, MARIGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782121 - 19 SAIDALI J MALIYAKKAL HOUSE, PONNARIMANGALAM, MULAVUKAD, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682504 - 20 KIRAN TAMANG BUNDAPANI, BANDAPANI, TEA GARDEN, BIRPARA, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 21 BASANT THAPA - NEW PAKKA LINE, BUNDAPANI, BANDAPANI, TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 22 SHEREEF M H. - MARACKAMPARAMBU, NIKERTH. AROOR, PIN - 688534 - 23 MUJAKIR ALI DHANEKHPWA, NAGAON, BHOMORAGURI, ASSAM, PIN - 782143 - 24 SIJU V.K., NEELAKANDAN THITTAYIL HOUSE, DHANYA ROAD, NETTOOR, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682040 :3: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 25 SANJU BARASKAR MAJARWANI, BETUL, BHAINSDEHI, MADHYA PRADESH, PIN - 460220 26 SATISH PIPARDE MAJARWANI, BETUL, BHAINSDEHI, MADHYA PRADESH, PIN - 460220 27 RANJAN ROY MANDIR MOWAMARI, KUNHIMARI, NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782143 28 SUBAIR, MEENKUZHI, NIKARTH, NADUVATH NAGAR PO, AROOKUTTY, ALAPPUZHA, PIN - 688535 29 RAMKISHOR BARASKAR MAJARWANI, BETUL, BHAINSDEHI, MADHYA PRADESH, PIN - 460220 30 KIRAN TAMANG BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN, BIRPARA, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 31 MANTOO KUMAR PURI GUDGUDI, WEST CHAMPARAN, BIHAR, PIN - 845106 32 JABIR M. MUKKAD, VELIYABRA PO, MATTANNUR, KANNUR, PIN - 670702 33 TAFAJUL HUSSAIN MADHABPARA, JURIPAR, NAGAON, KAMPUR, ASSAM, PIN - 782426 34 SURAJ KUMAR KIRHINDI, PO-KIRHINDI, SHEOSAGAR, ROHTAS, BIHAR, PIN - 821111 35 MERAJUL S K. NATIAL MASJIDPARA, JALANGI, MURSHIDABAD, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 742308 36 RAHUL MANDAL NATIAL MARJIDPARA, JALAGI, MURSHIDABAD, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 742308 37 MOSTAKIN MONDAL, NATIAL, JALANGI, MURSHIDABAD, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 742308 :4: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 - 38 PRASAD THAPA BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, BIRPARA, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 39 MANOJ THAPA BANDAPANI, TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, BIRPARA, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 40 DARSAN BHUJEL UPPER LINE, BANDAPANI, BIRPARA TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 41 PABAN MANGAR NEW LINE, JAY BIRPARA, TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI,n WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 42 ANSAR K. S. KILIPARABU, NETTOOR PO, MARADU, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682040 - 43 SAJEER P.K. POKKALIL CHANDIROOR, EZHUPUNNA, ALAPPUZHA, PIN - 688537 - 44 ANURAG THAPA NEW PAKA LINE, BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 45 ABDULLA UJANMARI, SIMALUGURI, NAGAON, KAMPUR, ASSAM, PIN - 782426 - 46 IBRAHIM KUTTY VAYALOATH VAYALPATH HOUSE, PAYANGADI, SREEKANDAPURAM, KANNUR, PIN - 670631 - 47 MURSHID HOSSAIN MOLLA NATUN DIGREE, NABIPUR, MUSHIDABAD, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 742308 - 48 ANTONY FRANCIS C. CHERUPULLY PARAMBU HOUSE, MARADU, NETTOOR PO, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682040 - 49 MUHAMMED JABIR K P. MASJID FLAT, KANNANCHERY PO, KALLAI, KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673002 - 50 NITISH KUMAR,LALI TOLA, AURAHI, MADHEPURA, BIHAR, PIN - 852116 :5: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 - 51 TABJUL ALI 88 HERAMJAR, BARAMA, MADHAPUR,L ALAGJAR, BAKSA, ASSAM, PIN - 781346 - 52 UMESH CHOUDHARI WARD NO.2, LALI TOLA POST, AURAHI, MADHEPURA, BIHAR, PIN - 852116 - 53 BIDHAN DARJEE CHHOTO LINE, BIRPARA, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 54 A. H. FATHAH MUHAMMED KANAVATH HOUSE, KANAVATH ROAD, VTC NETTOOR S.O., ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682040 - 55 KARAN THAPA NEW PAKA LINE, BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 56 MONTU HAZARIKA AKAAGELUBA FAON, SILAPATHAR, DHEMAJI, ASSAM, PIN - 786110 - 57 BINUD PATAR 143, JAJARI, NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782142 - 58 AJAY THAPA BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN BUNDAPANI, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 59 CHEBANG TAMANG TEA GERDEN BANDAPANI, DIANA JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 60 K.Y. SHIYAS 2163, KULANGARAPARAMBU, JUBILEE ROAD, THAMMANAM S.O., ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682032 61 SAFIKUL SEKH JANNAGAR, KANAINAGAR, TEHATTA, NAZIRPUR, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 741165 62 SHANAVAS M. K.M. MANZIL, ANATHAMKODE, KALAM, THATAMANGALAM PO, PATTANCHERY, CHITTUR, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678101 63 DHANBAHADUR RAI,BIRPARA TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 :6: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 64 ABDUL MANAF P.P. PANTHAPILAKKAL HOUSE, TRIKKALANGODE PO, MANJERI, MALAPPURAM, PIN - 676127 65 RAJIV SHARMA NO.4, SOBHA, NATHPUR, BHAWANIPUR, RAJDHAM, BIHAR, PIN - 854204 66 SAIDUL ISLAM 27, BENGENA ATIPATH, NEAR MASJID, NAGAON, CHOTTAHAIBOR, ASSAM, PIN - 782003 67 RASIDUL HAQUE REKAPAHAR, NAGAON, SALANA, ASSAM, PIN - 782139 68 AMIR HUSSAIN. HATIGAON, T E NO.4, MISSA, NAGAON, KALIABOR, ASSAM, PIN - 782138 69 SALIM V.M. SAJANA MANSIL, 293, VYASAPURAM, KUMBALAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682506 70 AVISEK BISWAKARMA BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 71 ARJUN LAMA WAYBABUSTY, BANDAPANI, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 72 SUBHASH TAMANG NEPALI LANE, BIRPARA, NO.32, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 73 ASHIB ALI NH 38 ROAD, NEAR L.P. SCHOOL, SARDAR GAON, NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782440 74 ABDUL LATHEEF MADATHIPPARAMBIL HOUSE, AMMU SAHIB LANE, DESHABHIMANI ROAD, KALOOR, PIN - 682017 75 SHIJU K.P. KUTTIPPALAKKAL HOUSE, VANIYAMKULAM -1, PALAKKAD, KERALA, PIN - 679523 76 LAMA TILAK, 0061, NEPALI LINE, BIRPARA, NO.2, BIRPARA, TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 :7: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 - 77 RIYAS HUSSAIN 29/336, AMBALATH HOUSE, NANGARATHU LANE, NETTOOR, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682040 - 78 TIJI PUTHUPARAMBIL, RAJAMUDI, APPUTHODE, IDUKKI, PIN - 685604 - 79 BIKKI THAPA 044, NEW PAKA LINE, BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 80 NAR BAHADUR CHHETRI NEPALI LINE, BUNDAPANI, MADARIHAT, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 81 NUMAL RARNCHIYARI JANAKALYAN, P S SILAPATHAR, DHEMAJI, ASSAM, PIN - 787110 82 OMPRAKASH DHOTE GOREGAON AMAL, BETUL, MADHYA PRADESH, PIN - 460225 83 RAKIBUL ALI MOJJID, IANGLCHOOH, KUWARITOL, NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782137 84 NIRAJ TAMANG GUMBA LINE, BUNDAPANI, BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 85 ASADUL ISLAM NO.9, KHARONI DAPARA, KACHUA, NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782137 86 A.A. ABDUL GAFOOR 2/126, B CALVATHY, FORT KOCHI, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 682001 87 ASHNAZ K.A. 12/892A, ANDIYACHARI ROAD, KAPPALANDIMUKKU, MATTANCHERY, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682002 88 RANTU DUTTA KHEREMA GAON, BORHOLLA, GRANT, JORHAT, ASSAM, PIN - 785631 89 NASIR UDDIN D DAPRA, BARPANI, LONGIUP, PADUMONI, ASSAM, PIN - 782450 :8: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 - 90 ANOOP THANKAPPAN KATTUPARAMPIL, KOLLAMULA, PATHANAMTHITTA, KERALA, PIN - 686510 - 91 JAFAR ALI K. MUTHUKUNNI, AYILOOR, PALAKKAD, KERALA, PIN - 678510 - 92 IQBAL K.J., KATTILPARAMBU, VALUMMEL ROAD, CONVENT ROAD, THOPPUMPADY, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682005 - 93 NASMUDHEEN P.A. PUTHUVALPURAYIDATHIL, EDAYAKUNNAM, CHITTOOR, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 682027 - 94 ASHIK LAMA NEW LINE, JAYBIRPARA TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 95 AKIBUR RAHMAN L.P. SCHOOL DHANEKHOWA, NAGAON, BHOMORAGUR, ASSAM, PIN - 782143 - 96 AMRADUL ISLAM PUB SALPARA, PUBSALPARA, NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782125 - 97 ANAR HUSSAIN NO.9, KHERANI, DAPARA, NAGAON, ASSAM, PIN - 782428 - 98 KUSHAL LAMA BANDAPANI, TEA GARDEN, JALPAGURI, WEST BENGAL735204, PIN - 735204 - 99 ABHINASH TAMANG BIRPARA, BUNDAPANI, JALPIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 - 100 AFROJ ALAM KABLESWA, GHOGHA, WEST CHAMPARAN, BIHAR, PIN - 845449 - 101 HANIF S.K., NATIAL, JALANGI MURSHIDABAD, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 742308 - 102 SOHEL S.K. NATIL, MURSHIDABAD, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 742308 - 103 ANISUR ALAM NATIAL, JALANGI, MURSHIDABAD, :9: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 ||WEST BENGAL, PIN - 742308| |---|---| |104|TANKESWAR SAIKIA| ||26, 2NILAKHKUNCH GAON, NO.2 NILAKHKONCH GAON,| ||DHEMAJI, ASSAM, PIN - 786110| |105|DULAL BORA| ||62, NILAKH TARANIPATHAR, P S SILAPATHAR, DHEMAJI,| ||ASSAM, PIN - 787061| |106|NAYAN LALUNG| ||SILAPATHAR, NO.2, BAIJANTIPUR, DHEMAJI, ASSAM, PIN| ||- 786110| |107|MONTU PHUKAN| ||SRIPANI AHOMGAON, P S SILAPATHAR,| ||ASSAM, PIN - 780110| |108|NISAMUDEEN M.M.,| ||MULAKKARA HOUSE, NETTOOR, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682040| |109|AJIJUL HAMID| ||LANGICHUK, P S KALIABOR, KOLIABOR, ASSAM, PIN -| ||782137| |110|SALIM MUHAMMED| ||KANAPARAMBIL, VALIAKANDAM, MULLARIGADU, IDUKKI,| ||KERALA, PIN - 685582| |111|KEROBIN| ||KHALKO, JAGLIKUTHI, BANDAPANI TEA GARDEN,| ||JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204| |112|GOUR CHANDRA MANDAL| ||SADIKHANS DEARH, MURSHIDABAD, WEST BENGAL, PIN -| ||742303| |113|ANSUR| ||DAKSHIN NUNSITOLA, PURBBA HOSEBABAD, MOTHABARI,| ||MAIDA, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 732207| |114|MAJIBUR RAHMAN| ||TANG GAON, SALANA, ASSAM, PIN - 782139| |115|FAISAL| ||POOKODAN HOUSE, PUNNAKKADU, KARUVARAKUNDU PO,| ||MALAPPURAM, PIN - 676523| |116|MUHAMMED NIZAMUDEEN T.N.| :10: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 44/1584A, THATTANPARAMBU HOUSE, KUTHAPPADY, THAMMANAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682032 117 MAHENDRA PRADHAN UTTAR SHALBARI, PURBA DURAMARI, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735233 118 SUJIT THAPA BUNDAPANI TEA GARDEN, JALPAGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 119 KALU LAMA NEW LINE JAY BIRPARA, TEA GARDEN, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735204 120 SOHEL S.K., NATUN, NABIPUR MURSHIDABAD, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 742308 121 SIVAN E.C., EDAPPARA HOUSE, AIMURY PO, VENGOOR WEST, KOOVAPPADY, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 683544 122 SHAMEER K. KARIMKUNNATH, VANIVILASINI, CHUNANGAD PO, PALAKKAD, PIN - 679511 123 NAZAR V.M. VALIYAPARAMBIL, PANANGAD, KUMBALAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682056 124 ANARUL BAITHA KABILASWA, GHOGHA PO, WEST CHAMBARAN, BIHAR, PIN - 845449 125 SANDIP MAHALI TEA GARDEN, 356 BANARHAT, JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL, PIN - 735202 BY ADVS.SENIOR ADVOCATE SRI. N.SUKUMARAN, V.K.BALACHANDRAN, S.SHYAM, N.K.KARNIS DRISHYA K.PRAKASH, AMALENDU A. ## **RESPONDENT/S:** 1 ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICER, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT CIRCLE, KAKKANAD, KOCHI, PIN - 682030 2 KERALA HEADLOAD WORKERS WELFARE BOARD - KHWWB :11: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SRM ROAD, ERNAKULAM, KOCHI, PIN - 682018 - 3 THE ERNAKULAM DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF KERALA HEAD LOAD WORKERS' WELFARE FUND BOARD - REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, KUMMANCHERRY BUILDING, T.D. ROAD, ERNAKULAM, KOCHI, PIN - 682035 - 4 KERALA HEAD LOAD WELFARE FUND BOARD SUB OFFICE THRIPUNITHURA, PLAKUZHY BUILDING, HILLS PALACE ROAD, CHATHARI, THRIPUNITHURA, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, PIN - 682301 - 5 MARADU MARKET TRADERS ASSOCIATION REG.NO.ER-391/08 REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT, ROOM NO.A/1, A U W MARKET, NETTOOR PO, KOCHI, PIN - 682040 - 6 ABDUL WAHAB PROPRIETOR, A K M FRUITS, ROOM NO.G/C, 23/397, A U W MARKET, NETTOOR PO, KOCHI, PIN - 682040 - 7 ABDUL NASSAR P.E. PROPRIETOR, INDIAN FRUITS, ROOM NO.G/16, 23/344, A U W MARKET, NETTOOR PO, KOCHI, PIN - 682040 - 8 THOMAS PROPRIETOR, ROOM NO.P4/41-42, 23/364, A U W MARKET, NETTOOR PO, KOCHI, PIN - 682040 **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 20.12.2022,** **THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** :12: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 # **A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR & MOHAMMED NIAS C.P., JJ** **............................................................ Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022** .................................................................. Dated this the 20[th] day of December, 2022 ## **JUDGMENT** ## **Mohammed Nias.C.P.J.,** The Writ Appeal is filed by the writ petitioners in so far as they are aggrieved by the refusal to grant the 2[nd] among the prayers sought in the writ petition. 2. The appellants are head load workers employed in the shops located at the Urban Wholesale Market Maradu whose individual applications submitted before the Assistant Labour Officer, Ernakulam District, Kakkanad for registration as attached head load workers under the Kerala Head Load Workers Act, 1978, were pending without consideration and orders. The prayers sought in the writ petition, was to consider and pass orders on Exts. P1 to P21 applications within a time limit and to direct respondents 2 to 4 to refrain from deputing head load workers in the market till the applications seeking registration was considered by the first respondent. :13: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 3. By the judgment impugned in the appeal, the learned Single Judge directed the first respondent, Assistant Labour Officer, Ernakulam District Circle, to consider the applications, 125 in number, preferred by the writ petitioners dated 24-10-2022, within one month from the date of receipt of a copy of the judgment after affording opportunity to hear the writ petitioners and all other affected parties, in accordance with law. The appellants are aggrieved by refusal to grant the 2[nd] prayer noted above. 4. Having heard the learned Senior Counsel Sri. N. Sukumaran, instructed by Adv. Sri. V.K. Balachandran, Standing Counsel for the Board Sri. K.S. Arun Kumar and the learned Senior Government Pleader Sri. B. Unnikrishna Kaimal, we are of the view that the subject matter of the appeal is covered by our judgment in ## **Kerala Head Load Workers Welfare Board v. Hishad M.B. And** **Others [ILR 2022 (3) Kerala 688],** the relevant directions of which are as follows: “An attached worker, on the other hand, does not have to be registered as a headload worker for doing headload work. He can be employed or engaged to do such work in the establishment of his employer and thereafter seek registration in terms of Rule 26A once he starts doing headload work in that establishment. Further, so long as he is in the employment or engagement of an employer and attached to the latter’s establishment, he will not come under the coverage of the 1983 Scheme either. Clause 6 of the Scheme will therefore not be attracted in his case, to prevent him from working in a scheme covered area”. :14: Writ Appeal No. 1942 of 2022 5. Going by the above, it can be seen that the prayer of the appellants that status quo ought to be maintained in the matter of head load work carried on by the appellants in the market pending disposal of their applications for registration by the first respondent has to be granted. Accordingly, we dispose of the Writ Appeal maintaining the direction issued by the learned Single Judge for consideration of the application for registration preferred by the appellants and also ordering that pending such registration, the appellants will be permitted to be employed or engaged to do head load work under the employer. Writ Appeal is allowed to the above extent. **Sd/-A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR,** ## **JUDGE** **Sd/-MOHAMMED NIAS C.P., JUDGE** ani/ /true copy/