Section – 57. Prohibition of employment of contract labour.
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Part, employment of contract labour in the core activities of any establishment is prohibited:
Provided that the principal employer may engage contract labour in core activities if—
(a) such activity is ordinarily carried out through contractors due to the nature of the establishment; or
(b) the activity does not require full-time workers for most of the working hours or for extended periods; or
(c) there is a sudden increase in workload in the core activity that must be completed within a specified time.
(2)
(a) The appropriate Government may, by notification, appoint a designated authority to advise on whether any activity of an establishment qualifies as a core activity;
(b) if any dispute arises regarding whether an activity is a core activity, the aggrieved party may apply to the appropriate Government in the prescribed manner for a decision;
(c) the appropriate Government may refer the matter to the designated authority, either on its own or upon application, and the authority shall examine the matter and submit a report within the prescribed period, after which the Government shall decide the issue within the prescribed time.