Delay condoned.
Leave granted.
Despite our order of 12th May, 2008, there is still no one present on
behalf of the respondent, Union, which is unrepresented.
We are informed by learned counsel appearing for the Food Corporation
of India that the concerned godowns of the Food Corporation of India have since
been notified under Section 10 of the Contract Labour (Regulation and
Abolition)Act, 1970. Accordingly, the directions which had been given by the
Employees' State Insurance Court, which were confirmed by the High Court will
have to be set aside, on account of the fact that the Food Corporation of India has
its own scheme for coverage of employees as an alternative to the scheme of the E.S.I. Corporation.
Accordingly, the appeal is allowed and the directions given by the
Employees' State Insurance Court are set aside, along with the directions of the High
Court.
New Delhi, October 20, 2008.