MADURA COATS LIMITED Vs. MADURA COATS EMPLOYEES UNION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule, with consent, Rule is made returnable forthwith.

(2.) This petition has been filed by the petitioner employer to question the award dated 22 March 2007 (impugned award) made by the Industrial Tribunal granting the employees increase in existing rate of Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) i.e. from 3%, 1 1/2 % and 3/4 % to 5%, 2 1/2 and 1 1/4 on the first slab of Rs.100/-, second slab of Rs.100/- and 3rd slab of Rs.201/- and above respectively, retrospectively i.e. with effect from the date of the reference which was 28 September 1983 and further rejecting the employer's demands, which were also the subject matter of adjudication before the Industrial Tribunal.

(3.) The dispute has a chequered history and some reference to the same is necessary for appreciating the challenge to the impugned award.