Section 22 of MWA, 1948 : Section 22: Penalties For Certain Offences

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a garment factory in Karnataka pays its workers less than the state-mandated minimum wage. One of the workers, Ravi, learns about the Minimum Wages Act and realizes that he has been receiving less than the legal minimum for his work.

Ravi decides to take action and reports the issue to the authorities. An investigation is conducted, and it is found that the employer has indeed been paying wages below the minimum rate.

Under Section 22 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the employer could face legal consequences. Considering the Karnataka state amendment to Section 22, the employer is now at risk of not just imprisonment for up to six months but also a minimum fine of five thousand rupees, which could extend up to ten thousand rupees.

The court will also consider any compensation Ravi may have already received when determining the fine to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.