Corpn cannot shirk payment responsibility: HC

The petitioner submitted that 265 workers engaged through contractors to lay stormwater drains and culverts had not been paid Rs 1.9 crore from Sept 11 last year to May 30,2009.

Of the total amount,Rs 75 lakh was due towards regular work and the rest for working overtime.

Last week,the corporation had stated in court that the contractor was responsible for payment,while the latter said the Sub-contractor was responsible.

The main contractor8217;s counsel yesterday submitted that his client was willing to deposit Rs 27.73 lakh for immediate payment. As there was a dispute on the balance,he suggested the matter be referred to conciliation centre,where labourers shall be represented by their agents.

The Judges rejected this suggestion and said only the corporation could settle the matter.

Justice Murugesan also rejected the corporation8217;s contention that only the contractor was liable to pay arrears. He described non-payment of wages for such a long period as an unfair labour practice and said the corporation was shifting the blame on the principal contractor,who in turn blamed the sub-contractors.