The Karnataka High Court at Bengaluru, on August 7, 2025, presided by Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde, heard several writ petitions filed by employees of Bosch Limited against the company and labour authorities. The petitions, filed under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, challenged various orders passed by the Deputy Labour Commissioner in Bengaluru.
Background of the Case
A large group of employees, numbering over ninety, approached the High Court through different writ petitions. They were represented by Senior Advocate Pramila Nesargi along with Advocate George Anthony Cruz. The employees contested the validity of the orders passed by the Deputy Labour Commissioner in 2016 and 2017, which, according to them, adversely affected their service and labour rights.
The respondents in the case included Bosch Limited, represented by its Vice Presidents and senior management, along with the Office of the Deputy Labour Commissioner. Senior Advocate Kasturi, along with Advocate Subha Ananthi, appeared for Bosch, while the Additional Government Advocate Prince Isaac represented the labour authorities.
The petitions highlighted disputes over service conditions, department transfers, and issues relating to recognition of workers. The employees sought quashing of the Labour Commissioner’s orders, which they argued were unjust.
Justice Hegde noted the importance of examining whether the Deputy Labour Commissioner had acted within his jurisdiction while passing the impugned orders. The Court observed that the core issue is whether the Labour Commissioner’s orders of 2016 and 2017 were passed in accordance with law and whether they violated the rights of the employees.
Case Title: Ramamurthy C.K. & Others vs. Bosch Limited & Others
Case Numbers: Writ Petition No.17695 of 2021 (L-RES) C/W WP Nos.12656/2021, 21703/2021, 23395/2021, 23730/2021, 23786/2021, 1434/2022