By Dan Levine and Terry Baynes

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The California Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that part of a class action lawsuit can proceed against Brinker International Inc., in a closely watched case over employee breaks in the nation's most populous state.

The court also ruled that employers are obliged to relieve employees of all duty during meal breaks, but need not ensure that no work is done.

(Reporting By Dan Levine; editing by M.D. Golan)