LOTHUGEDDA RAM BABU Vs. MANAGEMENT OF EENADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition is filed praying to grant the following relief:

(2.) Heard Sri K.J.V.N. Pundareekakshudu, learned counsel for petitioner, learned senior counsel Sri C.R. Sridharan, representing Sri G.V.S.Ganesh, learned counsel for respondent Nos.1 and 2, and learned Government Pleader for Labour, appearing for respondent No.3.

(3.) At the relevant point of time, petitioner was working as a Proof Reader in Eenadu Telugu Daily News Paper, Hyderabad. Alleging that petitioner committed misconduct, disciplinary action was initiated against him. On 21/8/2004, petitioner was terminated from service. Aggrieved by the order of termination, petitioner availed the remedy under Sec. -2A of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (Central Act 14 of 1947), by raising industrial dispute before the Additional Industrial Tribunal-cum-Additional Labour Court, Hyderabad. The said Tribunal numbered the dispute as I.D.No.3 of 2012. In the said dispute, the primary contention of petitioner was with regard to validity of the disciplinary enquiry conducted by the management. The Labour Court considered the following issue for discussion: "Whether the Enquiry Officer following the principles of natural justice, afforded reasonable opportunity and that the domestic enquiry is legal and valid?"