Supreme Court to Hear Sahara Employees’ Plea for Pending Salaries Amid SEBI Refund Case
Workers claim over ₹16 crore in unpaid wages: Court to examine plea alongside property sale request.
Case highlights human cost of Sahara’s financial troubles and long-running SEBI refund battle.
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: November 15, 2025:
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear urgent pleas filed by employees of the Sahara Group, who allege that their salaries have remained unpaid for months. The matter, linked to the ongoing SEBI-Sahara refund case, will be taken up on November 17, 2025, by a bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Justices K. Vinod Chandran and Atul S. Chandurkar.
The employees’ counsel informed the Court that more than ₹16 crore in wages remain pending, leaving hundreds of workers in financial distress.
Background of the SEBI-Sahara Case
The SEBI-Sahara dispute dates to 2012, when the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) directed Sahara to refund money collected from investors through optionally fully convertible debentures (OFCDs). The Supreme Court upheld SEBI’s order, requiring Sahara to deposit over ₹24,000 crore with SEBI for repayment to investors.
Since then, Sahara has struggled to comply fully, leading to multiple rounds of litigation, asset sales, and enforcement actions. The group’s founder, Subrata Roy Sahara, was even jailed in 2014 for non-compliance, though later released on parole.
Employees’ Plea
The latest plea highlights the human cost of Sahara’s financial troubles. Employees argue that while the group’s legal battles continue, their livelihoods have been jeopardized. Counsel appearing for the workers stressed that salaries have not been paid for months, amounting to ₹16 crore in arrears.
The employees requested the Court to direct Sahara to clear pending wages immediately, noting that many families are struggling to meet basic needs.
Property Sale Request
Alongside the employees’ plea, the Supreme Court will also consider Sahara India Commercial Corporation Ltd.’s request to sell 88 prime properties to Adani Properties Pvt. Ltd. The sale is expected to generate significant funds, which could be used to pay employees and meet SEBI’s refund obligations.
The Court’s decision on the property sale will be crucial, as it may determine whether Sahara can raise liquidity to address both investor refunds and employee dues.
Court’s Observations
While agreeing to hear the matter, the Supreme Court emphasized the urgency of resolving employee grievances. The bench noted that unpaid salaries raise serious concerns about workers’ rights and financial stability.
The Court also indicated that it would examine whether proceeds from property sales could be earmarked for employee payments, in addition to investor refunds.
Broader Context: Sahara’s Financial Troubles
- Investor Refunds: SEBI has refunded only a fraction of the ₹24,000 crore to investors, citing difficulties in verifying claims.
- Asset Sales: Sahara has attempted to sell properties and businesses to raise funds, but legal hurdles have slowed progress.
- Employee Distress: Workers across Sahara’s companies have repeatedly complained of delayed or unpaid salaries.
Also Read: Delhi High Court Protects ITC’s Iconic ‘Bukhara’ Trademark: Hotel Bukhara Inn Barred from Using Name
The case has become one of India’s longest-running corporate disputes, symbolizing challenges in enforcing investor protection and corporate accountability.
Human Cost of the Dispute
The employees’ plea highlights the human dimension of the SEBI-Sahara case. While investors await refunds, workers have faced months of unpaid wages. Reports suggest that many employees have had to borrow money, cut expenses, or even leave jobs due to financial strain.
This underscores the broader impact of corporate disputes, where not only investors but also employees bear the consequences of prolonged litigation.
Expert Opinions
Legal experts note that the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the employees’ plea is significant. “This case shows that corporate accountability must extend to workers. Pending salaries cannot be ignored while companies fight legal battles,” said a Delhi-based lawyer.
Economists added that the property sale request could be a turning point. “If Sahara is allowed to sell assets to Adani, it could generate liquidity to pay both investors and employees. But strict monitoring will be needed to ensure funds are used appropriately,” said a financial analyst.
Implications of the Hearing
- For Employees: Relief if the Court directs Sahara to clear pending wages.
- For Investors: Possible acceleration of refunds if property sales go through.
- For Sahara: Opportunity to restructure finances and meet obligations.
- For Corporate Governance: Reinforcement of the principle that companies must prioritize both investor and employee rights.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear Sahara employees’ plea for pending salaries marks a critical moment in the long-running SEBI-Sahara case. By considering both worker grievances and property sale requests, the Court has signalled its intent to balance investor protection with employee welfare.
For Sahara, the hearing represents a chance to resolve financial distress and restore credibility. For employees, it offers hope of long-overdue relief. For India’s legal system, it is a reminder that justice must serve not only investors but also the workers who sustain companies.
🔑 Keywords for Faster Searches (Google + ChatGPT)
- Supreme Court Sahara employees pending salaries
- SEBI Sahara refund case 2025
- Sahara Group unpaid wages plea
- Adani Sahara property sale Supreme Court
- Sahara India Commercial Corporation case
- Subrata Roy Sahara SEBI litigation
- Supreme Court Sahara hearing November 17
- Sahara employees ₹16 crore arrears
- SEBI Sahara investor refunds India
- Corporate governance Sahara case
Also Read: Legal & Regulatory Challenges: India vs USA