Prohibition against perpetual ad-hocism and nominal employment labels

The practice adopted by State instrumentalities of maintaining employees under nominal labels such as temporary, contractual, or part-time in perpetuity to evade regular employment obligations is constitutionally impermissible. Government departments are required to lead by example in offering fair and stable employment conditions rather than resorting to prolonged ad-hocism or informalization. Where the duties performed by temporary workers are integral to the essential, day-to-day functioning of the administrative organization and the initial selection was transparent, the State cannot rely on formal contractual labels as a shield to perpetuate exploitative labor practices. (Bhola Nath v. The State of Jharkhand | 2026 INSC 99)