Whether this case involves a substantial question v. KARMACHARINAGAR COOP HOUSING SOCIETY LTD & 1

This petition is directed against the judgment and order dated 2nd August, 1998 passed by the Labour Court, Ahmedabad in Reference [L.C.A.] No. 144/85, SCA/523/1999 JUDGMENT whereby the said Reference was rejected.

The short facts of the case are that the petitioner was working as a clerk with the respondent Society. It is the case of the petitioner that the respondent Society without following any procedure under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 has terminated his

service w.e.f. 20th November, 1984. Feeling aggrieved by the dismissal order, the petitioner raised an industrial dispute, which was ultimately referred to the Labour Court, Ahmedabad for adjudication. The Labour Court after appreciating the materials produced before it, rejected the said Reference. Hence, this petition.

Mr. P.M. Vyas learned advocate for the petitioner has contended that the Labour Court has committed an error in holding that the Co-operative Society is not covered under the definition of Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and on this ground alone the Labour Court has rejected the Reference.

3.1. In support of his contention Mr. Vyas has placed reliance on the decision of the Apex Court in the case of SCA/523/1999 JUDGMENT reported in A.I.R. 1979 S.C. p. 1203, wherein the Court has held as under :- “A dispute raised by an employee of a co- operative society for setting aside his removal from service on the ground that it was an act of victimisation and for reinstatement in service with back wages is not “any dispute” which can be resolved by the Registrar of the Co-operative Societies nor “any dispute” touching the business of the society within contemplation of S.96 of the 1961 Act or S. 54 of the 1925 Act. Consequently, the dispute can be adjudicated upon by the Labour Court alone.”

I have heard the learned counsel for the parties. Having perused the materials placed on record and in view of the aforesaid decision, I am of the opinion that the Labour Court while rejecting the Reference has committed an error in not appreciating the fact that the Co-operative Society is covered under Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. However, looking to the facts and circumstances of the case, I am of the opinion that ends of justice would be met if the matter is remanded to the Labour Court for deciding the issue afresh in light of the said Section as well as aforesaid decision.