(1.) This is a petition for quashing award dated 1.10.2002 (Annexure P.8) vide which Presiding Officer, Labour Court, Gurdaspur (respondent No. 2) declared the termination of the services of respondent No. 1 - Smt. Sheedo Devi (hereinafter described as the workman) as illegal and ordered her reinstatement with back wages.
(2.) The workman was engaged as Helper in Balwari, Village Chhota Nangal w.e.f. 10.9.1992 at a monthly salary of Rs. 600/-. She worked up to 16.8.1997. Her services were terminated w.e.f. 17.8.1997 without giving one month's notice or pay in lieu thereof and retrenchment compensation and without holding any enquiry. She challenged the action of the employer on the ground of violation of the rules of natural justice and the provisions of the Industrial disputes Act, 1947 (for short, 'the Act'). The dispute raised by her was referred by the Government of Punjab under Section 10(1)(c) of the Act to Labour Court, Gurdaspur.
(3.) In her statement of claim, the workman pleaded that she had continuously worked from 10.9.1992 to 17.8.1997 and that her service was terminated without complying with the mandatory provisions of Section 25-F of the Act. She also pleaded that after removing her from service, Smt. Nanki was appointed in her place and this action of the employer was clearly discriminatory.