NANDGANJ SIHORI SUGAR COMPANY LTD Vs. PRESIDING OFFICER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the parties. This petition is directed against an order dated 3.11.2011 passed in Misc. Case Nos. 22/2007, 23/2007, 09/2008, 27/2008, 3/2009, 36/2009 and 42 of 2009 passed by the labour court, Varanasi by which it has awarded interest on the alleged delayed payment of retrenchment compensation.

(2.) It appears that the petitioner sugar mill closed down on 15.4.2003 and the services of the workmen were retrenched. However, the retrenchment dues and other statutory dues were not paid and therefore, the workmen preferred the aforesaid miscellaneous cases under Section 33(c)(2) of the Industrial Disputes Act before the labour court, Varanasi. All the applications were heard and disposed off together.

(3.) The labour court found that there was nothing on record to show that the petitioner employers made any effort to pay the retrenchment compensation etc. to the workmen and only when the case was lodged that the amounts were paid in 2008 and therefore, they are entitled to 10% interest.