Supreme Court Rules Employers Liable for Penalties on Delayed Compensation Payments

The Supreme Court ruled that employers must pay penalties for delays in depositing compensation under the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923, emphasizing the Act's role as a social welfare statute. The verdict upheld a Delhi High Court order holding an insurance firm liable for penalty payment after a commercial driver died in 2017 during employment. The court highlighted the need for liberal interpretation favoring employees and confirmed compensation and interest awarded to the deceased's legal heirs.