The Delhi High Court on 17th November 2014 has delivered a judgement reinstating the 272 workers of Hindustan Times, who were arbitrarily removed by the management nine years back. The Management has also been directed to pay the back wages since their retrenchment. This judgement is a victory not only for the HT workers and Delhi Union of Journalists, who conducted the case, but also to the trade union movement as a whole.

Earlier, the Industrial Tribunal after hearing the appeal of the DUJ, had cancelled the retrenchment orders and directed the HT to reinstate the workers with back wages. However, the management went on appeal to the Delhi High Court. The Delhi HC has now upheld the decision of the tribunal.

13 workers have died during the period after their retrenchment. The Delhi High Court stated: ” In case the relief of back wages is denied to the workmen, it would tantamount to placing a premium on the fraudulent conduct of the management which by its order of dismissal has virtually deprived hundreds of workmen of right to life and livelihood.”

We hail the historic Judgment. It should be an eye-opener to such anti-worker managements.