MALAYALA RAJYAM P LTD Vs. BALAKRISHNA PILLAI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Malayala Rajyam (Private) Ltd., the petitioner herein, challenges Ext. P1 order of the 3rd respondent, Labour Court, Quilon, and Ext. P2 showcause notice issued by the 2nd respondent in respect of the amount payable under Ext. P1 order.

(2.) The petitioner is a publisher of a daily newspaper called 'Malayala Rajyam'. Until 1952 this business was run by members of one family. In 1952 the business was taken over by a Company called Sree Rama Vilasom Press and Publication (P) Ltd., (for short S. R. V. Press). In 1959 the petitioner Company was formed for the purpose of taking over from S.R.V. Press the business of newspaper publication.

(3.) The 1st respondent was employed by S. R. V. Press as a proof reader. His contention that he was a 'working journalist' as defined under the Working Journalists (Conditions of Service) And Miscellaneous Provisions Act (XLV of 1955), (for short the Act), was not accepted by the management. The 1st respondent claimed the benefits available to him as such under the Act. Owing to the refusal of the management of the petitioner Company to recognise his right under the Act, a dispute arose between the petitioner and the 1st respondent which was referred to the 3rd respondent Labour Court by the Government under S.17(2) of the Act. By Ext. P1 order the Tribunal found that the 1st respondent is a working journalist as defined under the Act.