India, Feb. 5 -- In a victory for thousands of contractual teachers in upper primary schools in Uttar Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that they are entitled to a monthly salary of Rs 17,000 with effect from 2017-18 and are deemed to be employed permanently after expiry of their contract.

The Supreme Court said any unfair practice fixing remuneration of these teachers permanently as Rs 7,000 for all times is a kind of forced labour amounting to 'begar' which is strictly prohibited under Article 23 of the Constitution. Dismissing an appeal filed by the Uttar Pradesh Government, a bench of justices Pankaj Mithal and PB Varale directed the State to start paying honorarium to them at the rate of Rs 17,000 per month with effect f...