Author: Raghav Shetty

Supreme Court Clarifies How to Determine Employer-Employee Relationship

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The Supreme Court has ruled that the existence of an employer-employee relationship under the Industrial Disputes Act depends on a multifactor assessment—chiefly control, supervision, business integration, remuneration source, and disciplinary authority—rather than on mere provision of facilities or subsidies. Deciding in General Manager, U.P. Cooperative Bank Ltd. v. Achchey Lal (2025 INSC 1175), the Court set aside rulings that had treated a bank’s canteen workers as its employees, holding that the bank only provided infrastructure and subsidy while a staff society hired and managed the workers, negating a direct master–servant relationship.

Capital Punishment: Comparative Global Approaches and India’s Legal Framework

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Global use of the death penalty is shrinking, with most executions concentrated in a few countries like China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Many nations have abolished it, and the UN supports a global moratorium. Supporters cite justice and deterrence, while opponents highlight wrongful convictions, discrimination, and human rights concerns. India retains capital punishment for the “rarest of the rare” cases but has not executed anyone since 2020. Courts are cautious, and legislative debates continue. Experts recommend clearer laws, judicial training, and exploring life imprisonment as a humane alternative while considering a formal moratorium.