PRITAM DASS Vs. ADDITIONAL SECRETARY CO-OPERATION PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) ON 1.8.1982, the petitioner was appointed as Secretary of the Lopoke Co-operative Agricultural Service Society Limited, Lopoke. He held this post till November 1983. Since no salary was paid to him from the date of his joining, he left the job on 24.11.1983. Almost a decade later, the Society raised a dispute for recovery of an amount of Rs. 12,872.27 alongwith interest and costs against the petitioner. The matter was referred by the Assistant Registrar, Co-operative Societies, to the Arbitrator. The petitioner appeared and pointed out that he had not been paid any salary for the period from 1.8.72 to 24.11.1983. He further pointed out that he had spent an amount of Rs. 3,737/- for transportation of fertilizer and the rent for the godown. The petitioner claimed a set-off. Mr. Jagjit Singh, the Secretary of the Society admitted the claim of the petitioner. He stated that "the Society is ready to deduct the salary of Shri Pritam Dass and expenses incurred on the fertilizer etc. but Shri Pritam Dass should also deposit the outstanding amount towards him".

(2.) THE matter was considered by the Arbitrator. After adjustment of the amount, he found that an amount of Rs. 2,914.27 only was due to the Society on account of principal. He further held that the Society was entitled to an amount of Rs. 5,925.73 on account of interest. Thus, he gave an award for a total sum of Rs. 8,840/- against the petitioner. This was to be paid by him in three instalments.

(3.) THE petitioner alleges that the impugned orders are wholly arbitrary, illegal and violative of the principles of natural justice. Thus, he prays that these orders be quashed.