We are into housekeeping & security services, wherein we provide our staff to different companies. We have our main office in Delhi and registered there under shops & establishment. Question is - do we need to open an office in Harayana for LWF? If so - why -because as per the Act, the act is applicable to establishments where 10 or more employees are employed. So it is establishment wise, not state wise. This is something similar to CLRA where it is establishment wise. Supreme Court has already held that establishment means one roof/ one office of same company. So in that case, just like CLRA that establishment needs to be registered not a branch of our company. Also, opening a separate branch, I think it is a narrow interpretation of the law. So I need some clarity with thought and if possible some case laws.
Replicating the applicability for ease of reference-
Applicability of the Act
This Act is applicable to a factory as defined in clause (m) of section 2 of the Factories Act, 1948 or any place which is deemed to be a factory under sub section (2) of section 85 of that Act includes any premises including the predicts thereof wherein and in any part of which any industry within the meaning of clause (j) of section 2 of the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947, is carried on and also includes a shop or a commercial establishment within the meaning of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1958, in which, on any day, ten or more employees are employed or were employed during the preceding twelve months.
Replicating the applicability for ease of reference-
Applicability of the Act
This Act is applicable to a factory as defined in clause (m) of section 2 of the Factories Act, 1948 or any place which is deemed to be a factory under sub section (2) of section 85 of that Act includes any premises including the predicts thereof wherein and in any part of which any industry within the meaning of clause (j) of section 2 of the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947, is carried on and also includes a shop or a commercial establishment within the meaning of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1958, in which, on any day, ten or more employees are employed or were employed during the preceding twelve months.