Delhi High Court Declares Airline Pilots Are ‘Workmen’ Under Labour Law, Salary Not a Barrier
Court says pilots perform skilled technical duties, not managerial roles, and deserve statutory protections
Judgment ensures pilots can claim benefits under Industrial Disputes Act despite high pay or job titles
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 13, 2025:
In a landmark judgment, the Delhi High Court has held that airline pilots fall within the definition of “workmen” under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, regardless of their salary levels or job titles. The ruling came in a case involving King Airways and its former pilots, who sought relief for unpaid salaries and other dues.
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The decision is significant because it clarifies that remuneration or professional status cannot exclude pilots from labour law protections. Instead, the nature of their duties—flying aircraft and performing technical operations—determines their classification.
Background of the Case
- The dispute arose between King Airways and three of its pilots: Captain Pritam Singh, Manjit Singh, and ND Kathuria.
- The pilots approached the labour court seeking payment of unpaid salary and incentives for extra flying hours.
- King Airways argued that pilots, due to their high salaries and specialized skills, should not be considered “workmen.”
- The labour court ruled in favour of the pilots, prompting the airline to appeal before the Delhi High Court.
Court’s Observations
A Division Bench of Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar dismissed the airline’s appeal, noting:
- Salary levels are irrelevant in determining whether someone is a “workman.”
- Pilots perform skilled and technical work, not managerial or supervisory functions.
- Job titles such as “pilot-in-command” do not automatically imply managerial authority.
- The predominant nature of duties test is decisive pilots primarily fly aircraft, which is operational and technical.
The court concluded that pilots clearly fall within the definition of “workman” under Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act.
Legal Principles
- Industrial Disputes Act, 1947: Defines “workman” as any person employed in an industry to perform manual, skilled, technical, or clerical work.
- Section 2(s): Excludes those employed mainly in managerial or administrative roles.
- The court emphasized that pilots, despite their specialized training and high salaries, are engaged in technical work essential to airline operations.
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Impact on Pilots and Airlines
This ruling has far-reaching consequences:
- For pilots: They can now claim statutory protections, including rights to wages, benefits, and dispute resolution under labour law.
- For airlines: Employers must treat pilots as workmen, ensuring compliance with labour regulations.
- For the aviation industry: The judgment strengthens accountability and fairness in employment practices.
Expert Opinions
Labour law experts have welcomed the ruling:
- It reinforces the principle that job function, not salary, determines workman status.
- It ensures that highly paid professionals are not denied basic protections.
- It sets a precedent for other skilled professionals in industries where employers argue against their inclusion under labour laws.
Similar Cases
- Courts have previously ruled that salary alone cannot exclude employees from labour law protections.
- In other industries, engineers and technical staff have been recognized as workmen despite high pay.
- The Delhi High Court’s ruling aligns with this judicial trend, extending clarity to the aviation sector.
Broader Implications
The judgment highlights the importance of protecting workers in specialized industries:
- For employees: Assurance that labour laws apply equally, regardless of income.
- For employers: A reminder to respect statutory obligations.
- For policymakers: The need to update labour laws to reflect modern professions while preserving fairness.
This case also underscores the judiciary’s role in balancing corporate interests with worker rights.
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Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s ruling that airline pilots are “workmen” under the Industrial Disputes Act, irrespective of salary, is a landmark in labour law. By focusing on the nature of duties rather than income, the court has ensured fairness and strengthened worker protections.
For pilots, the message is clear: their technical and operational roles entitle them to statutory rights. For airlines, the ruling is a reminder that compliance with labour laws is non-negotiable.
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