(1.) PETITIONER has challenged the order dated 24.09.1996 passed by Labour Department, Government of Rajasthan, refusing to refer the dispute of termination of services of petitioner to a competent Court for adjudication. The only ground for non -reference is delay in raising the dispute.
(2.) THE petitioner had worked with the respondents from 1967 till 1986. However, his services were terminated without compliance of mandatory provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act.
(3.) THIS Court as well as the Apex Court, at number of occasions have made serious observations on the manner in which the department deals with such matters in refusing to raise the dispute to a competent Court for adjudication. So far as delay is concerned, that can also be taken note by the competent Court and that is also relevant only for the purpose of relief, if any, to be given to the concerned workman. There is no limitation prescribed under the Act and a person has a right to explain the delay to the satisfaction of the Court.