The Karnataka High Court has taken notice of a petition filed by the Karnataka Employers’ Association (KEA) and Ethereal Machines Private Limited challenging a notification issued on May 22, which proposed an increase in minimum wages. Justice Jyoti M has scheduled the matter for June 9 to consider the petitioners' request for an interim stay on the wage hike. The petitioners argue that the notification was issued despite existing high court orders from June and July of the previous year that restricted such actions. They contend that the notification is invalid as it contradicts the repeal of certain provisions under the Payment of Wages Act, Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Bonus Act, and Equal Remuneration Act, which was effective as of November 21, 2025. By claiming that the concept of scheduled employment has been effectively removed, the petitioners assert that the authorities acted beyond their jurisdiction in issuing the wage increase notification. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for labor laws and wage regulations in Karnataka.