ANTONIO R BORGES Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD learned Advocate for the petitioners and learned Advocates for the respondents.

(2.) THE petitioners, who are four in number, have challenged the order dated 2nd May, 2001, issued by the surveyor-in-charge, Captain K. P. Jayakumar, which had the effect of discharging the petitioners from their services. The order was based on the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The petitioners have also challenged the enquiry sought to be initiated against them pursuant to the letter dated 1st August, 2001.

(3.) THE facts giving rise to this petition are that all the petitioners have served the eighth respondent for more than 20 years. Since 1980 they were the members of Jahazi Mazdoor Union, but they alongwith others became members of the Forward Seamens Union of India. Intimation in this regard was given to respondent No. 8 and respondent No. 8 was also informed that it was not implementing the M/s. Kumud Bansal Award dated 17th April, 2000.