ANANDA BAZAR PATRIKA LTD Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By this writ application the petitioners have challenged two Notifications issued by the Government of India, one SO No. 312(E) dated 30th May, 1986 and the other being SO No. 313(E) also dated 30th May, 1986. By the notification No. 312(E) dated 30th May, 1986 issued in exercise of powers conferred by Sub-section (1) of Section 13 -A of the Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955 (45 of 1955) (hereinafter referred to as the said Act) the Central Government after consultation with the Wage Board has fixed the interim rates of wages in respect of working journalists at the rate of 15% of the existing basic wages subject to a minimum of Rs. 90/- per month. The said interim rates of wages shall be effective from 1st June, 1986.

(2.) By another similar notification being SO No. 313(E) dated 30th May, 1986 the Central Government has fixed the interim rates of wages in respect of Non-Journalists Newspaper Employees at the rate of 15% of the basic wages subject to the minimum of Rs. 90/ - per month.

(3.) The petitioner No. 1 is the well-known newspaper establishment carrying on business at Calcutta. The petitioner No. 2 is the Director of the petitioner No. 1.