Guest Faculty Paid Per Session Not a “Workman" Under Industrial Disputes Act : Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court held that guest faculty members who are paid per session do not qualify as “workmen” Under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

The petitioner, Hansraj Koley, had been engaged for specific training sessions and was paid an honorarium, not regular wages.

The Court observed that there was no continuous service or employer–employee relationship. It also noted that Koley had accepted a final payment in 2014 and agreed to apply for future roles through the proper process.

Upholding the Industrial Tribunal’s decision, the Court dismissed the writ petition.