HIND CYCLES LIMITED Vs. WORKMEN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this appeal, by special leave, Mr. G. B. Pal learned counsel for the appellant, challenges the award dated the 26th April, 1968, of the Industrial Tribunal, Maharashtra, Bombay, in Reference (IT) No. 258 of 1964 granting interim relief to workmen according to the recommendations of the Central Wage Board for Engineering Industries. The main Reference itself takes in several matters, such as fixation of wage scales, classification, dearness allowance, production bonus. gratuity etc.

(2.) The Steel Mazdoor Sabha, representing the workmen filed an application for grant of interim relief on the ground that the proceedings before the Tribunal are not likely to come to an end at an early date. In fact, the application was filed for the grant of interim relief, based on the recommendations for payment of interim relief, made by the Central Wage Board for the Engineering Industries on February 12, 1966 and accepted by the Central Government on July 23, 1966. The claim on behalf of the workmen was that they must be paid interim relief at the rate of : (a) Rs. 6/- per month in respect of workmen earning wages above Rs. 150/- but not more than Rs. 250/- per month, and (b) Rs. 5/- per month in respect of workmen earning above Rs. 250/- but not more than Rs. 500/- per month.

(3.) It is brought to our notice that in view of certain technical aspects involved in the adjudication of certain matters covered by the Reference, the Tribunal has appointed Assessors for making recommendations regarding those matters. It is further represented that the Assessors appointed, at the suggestion of the employers have submitted their report; but in respect of Production bonus, the assessors appointed at the suggestion of the workmen have yet to investigate the matter and submit their report. Quite naturally, some more time may elapse by the time the final award is passed by the Tribunal.