RAJDEO PRASAD Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) A number of industrial disputes between River Stream Navigation Co., Ltd., and India General Navigation and Railway Co., Ltd. (respondent 3) and their workmen represented by (i) Paschim Banga Mazdoor Congress (respondent 4) and 00 Inland Steam Navigation Workers Union (respondent 5) were referred by respondent 1, State Government, in exercise of its powers under Section 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act, to the fourth industrial tribunal for adjudication. The order of reference bears the date 23 November 1960.

(2.) THE respondent 6, Joint Steamer Companies Employees' Union, claims to be a trade union of a section of the non -clerical staff of respondent 3 companies, numbering about 287. On 16 January 1961, workmen numbering 171 (including the two petitioners), who are members of the respondent 6 union, filed an application before the fourth industrial tribunal praying that they be allowed to file written statement and participate in the adjudication represented by their own lawyer or a representative of respondent 6 union.

(3.) THE fourth industrial tribunal rejected the application being of the opinion: