Instead, it should be done by an appropriate authority on behalf of the workers, the court said. A division bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice R Hemalatha issued the direction while dismissing a batch of writ petitions moved by various unions seeking cash assistance to unregistered workers similar to the aid given to the registered members of the various welfare boards. Citing an earlier order, the bench made it clear that the authorities should not insist for a verification by the VAO.

 The direction was being issued after taking into consideration the letter by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the stand taken by the board, which was accepted by the State government, that steps were already taken to the register and renew the membership of unorganised workers.

 “Once this is done, at least in future, unorganised workmen would get adequate benefits under the scheme. The persons/entities who engage any workman coming under all the thirty-four boards both under the Department of Labour and other departments, are expected to make contribution as it is mandatory under the Act. Failure to do so and the absence of action on the part of the State has already been causing serious prejudice to the scores of workmen,” the bench led by Justice Sundresh added.