Bombay HC rules community health volunteers entitled to minimum wage

On August 14, 2026, the Bombay High Court ruled in favor of community health volunteers, declaring them entitled to minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. The court dismissed all petitions filed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) challenging this decision. The court held that although the volunteers are designated as "swayamsevaks," their duties closely resemble those of municipal employees.

They perform public health tasks, maintain attendance, work fixed hours, follow medical staff instructions, and receive a fixed monthly payment. The BMC had challenged the Assistant Labour Commissioner's order from September 7, 2020, which had ruled that these volunteers were entitled to the notified minimum wage. The corporation argued that no employer-employee relationship existed, citing their limited work hours and the term "honorarium."

However, the court disagreed, noting that the nature of their work, the control exercised over them, and their association with the municipality for decades established an employment relationship. The court also clarified that the volunteers render services to the corporation and are not just performing volunteer work.