SERIES II No. 1
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
RNI No. GOAENG/2002/6410
Reg. No. RNP/GOA/32/2024-2026
Panaji, 4th April, 2024 (Chaitra 15, 1946)
GOVERNMENT OF GOA
Department of Co-operation
Office of the Asstt. Registrar of Co-operative
Societies
–––
No. 1-25/11-12/ARPZ/Serv/Reg/3196
Read: 1. Certificate of Registration dated
25-01-1964 of Dharbandora V.K.S.S. Society
Ltd., Dharbandora-Goa.
2. This Office Order No. 1-25/11-12/ARPZ/
/Serv/Reg/3010 dated 27-02-2024.
3. This Office Memo No. 1-25/11-12/ARPZ/
/Serv/Reg/3181 dated 22-03-2024.
Note:- There is one Extraordinary issue to the Official
Gazette, Series II No. 52 dated 28-03-2024 namely,
Extraordinary dated 28-03-2024 from pages 1511
to 1512 regarding Notifications from Department
of Transport.
Consequent upon the change in classification
vide amendment at Sr. No. 03 of above, the Certificate
of Registration of the Dharbandora V.K.S.S. Society
Ltd., Dharbandora-Goa is amended as under:
Amended Certificate of Registration
The Certificate of Registration dated 25-01-1964
bearing registration code symbol RES-(C)-154/Goa
stands amended as ARCS/PZ/Ser-Reso/MP/23/Goa
with immediate effect to the following extent.
The sub-classification of the society appearing in
the Registration Certificate referred at Sr. No. 1, be
read as the Dharbandora Multipurpose Co-operative
Primary Agriculture Credit Society Ltd., Dharbandora-
-Goa under classification No. 10(C) under sub-rule (1)
of Rule 8 of the Goa Co-operative Societies Rules,
2003.
Pankaj V. Marathe, Asst. Registrar (Co-operative
Societies), Ponda Zone.
Ponda, 22nd March, 2024.
————
Aditya Harmony Co-op. Housing Maintenance Society Limited
Madel, Tivim, Bardez, Goa-403502
Reg. No. RCSNZ2022-230029
Ref. No. AHCHMSL/2023-2024/024
—–––––—
Final List of Members as per Membership Registers maintained
Sr.
Sr. No. in
Name of the member and
Date of
No. of
Remarks
No. the members
his Flat/House No.
admission
fully
register
to
paid up
(G Form)
membership
shares held
1
2
3
4
5
6
1.
01
Mrs. Vishaya Vishwas Kauthankar A-402
02-02-2023
Five
Miss. Sneha Vishwas Kauthankar
2.
02
Mr. Shankar Kamlakant Lotlikar C-202
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Gauri Shankar Lotlikar
1
Suggestions are welcomed on e-mail: [email protected]
2
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
1
2
3
4
5
6
3.
03
Mr. Norman Sequeira
B-202
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Betty Sequeira
4.
04
Mr. Amol Anand Rawool
B-203
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Leena Amol Rawool
5.
05
Mr. Sushant Sitaram Govekar
C-402
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Harshada Sushant Govekar
6.
06
Mr. Wockhardt Martis
C-204
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Sandra Martis
7.
07
Mrs. Smita S. Naik
A-304
02-02-2023
Five
Mr. Shailesh K. Naik
8.
08
Mrs. Shweta Ashok Pednekar alias C-104
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Shweta Mukund Ukshekar
Mr. Mukund V. Ukshekar
9.
09
Mr. Rajan Zilu Morajkar
A-401
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Ruchika Rajan Morajkar
10.
10
Mrs. Jeevika Jayesh Pednekar
C-403
02-02-2023
Five
Mr. Jayesh Vithal Pednekar
11.
11
Mr. Sarvesh Manohar Thakur
A-302
02-02-2023
Five
12.
12
Mrs. Gladys Vessoaker
C-302
02-02-2023
Five
13.
13
Mr. Avadhut Yeshwant Prabhu
B-201
02-02-2023
Five
Chodnekar
Mrs. Gayatri Ramnath Nayak
14.
14
Mr. Rajesaheb Gothed
A-204
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Raziya Gothed
15.
15
Mr. Narayan Suresh Harmalkar
A-403
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Rashmee Narayan Harmalkar
16.
16
Mrs. Smita Prasad Dhargalkar
A-201
02-02-2023
Five
17.
17
Mrs. Rupali Vishnu Gawade
B-303
02-02-2023
Five
Mr. Hemant Mohan Gawade
18.
18
Mr. Mahesh Chandrakant Naik
A-103
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Sulaksha Naik
19.
19
Mr. Sagar Chandrakant Bhosale C-101
02-02-2023
Five
20.
20
Mr. Agnello Augustinno Dcosta C-401
02-02-2023
Five
21.
21
Mr. Vishwas Dattaram Naik
B-302
02-02-2023
Five
22.
22
Mrs. Steffy Mathew
A-101
02-02-2023
Five
Mr. Rahul Varghese Chittean
23.
23
Mr. Ranjit Laxman Kole
C-201
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Nivedita Kole
24.
24
Ms. Sunita Tulshidas Chattim
C-103
02-02-2023
Five
Haldankar
25.
25
Mr. Jitendra Prakash Pednekar
A-404
02-02-2023
Five
26.
26
Mr. Pedro Agnelo Dias
B-102
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Aramita Dias
27.
27
Mrs. Fiona Maria Sequeira
C-203
02-02-2023
Five
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
28.
28
Mrs. Gauri Govind Masurkar alias B-204
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Gauri Rajesh Mahale
Mr. Rajesh Mahale
29.
29
Mr. Rahul Kusaji Gawas
A-203
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Sandhya Rahul Gawas
30.
30
Mr. Dilip Mavji Patel
B-401
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Chandrika Dilip Patel
31.
31
Mrs. Pramila Mavji Patel
B-403
02-02-2023
Five
32.
32
Mr. Sarfaraj Shaikh
A-102
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Darshana Sarfaraj Shaikh
33.
33
Miss Viral Dilip Patel
B-402
02-02-2023
Five
34.
34
Mr. Shankar Mavjibhai Patel
B-404
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Nimita Shankar Patel
35.
35
Mr. Vishv Veer Singh
A-301
02-02-2023
Five
36.
36
Mr. Prakash Nauso Pednekar
A-104
02-02-2023
Five
37.
37
Mrs. Vandana Gokuldas Raikar
C-301
02-02-2023
Five
Mr. Gokuldas Ramnath Raikar
38.
38
Mr. Gabriel Simplicio Almeida
C-303
02-02-2023
Five
39.
39
Mrs. Arati R. Sawant
B-301
02-02-2023
Five
Mr. Rama P. Sawant
40.
40
Mr. Pramod Baburao Kiwande
B-304
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Pranita Baburao Kiwande
41.
41
Mr. Amit Mahendra Madhu
C-102
02-02-2023
Five
Mrs. Gargi Amit Madhu
42.
42
Mr. Anubhav Ramnath Raikar
B-104
02-02-2023
Five
43.
43
Mrs. Nandini Raja Tulaskar
B-101
02-02-2023
Five
44.
44
Mrs. Meghna Deepak Patil
B-103
15-08-2023
Five
45.
45
Mr. Firoz Khan Asad Khan Inamdar C-304
15-08-2023
Five
46.
46
Mr. Ridam Ramdas Prabhu GaonkarC-404
15-08-2023
Five
Mr. Ramdas Cuxali Gaocar
47.
47
Mr. Brendan Savio D’Silva
A-303
15-08-2023
Five
48.
48
Mr. Vishal Prakash Gauns
A-202
05-08-2023
Five
Miss. Pooja Uday Mhadeshri alias
Mrs. Pooja Vishal Gauns
Sd/-, Chairperson/Secretary.
Thivim, 22nd March, 2024.
4
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
Kamat Abode Wadde Socorro Co-op. Hsg. Sty. Ltd.
Reg. No. HSG-(b)-324/NZ/Goa
Vaddem, Socorro, Bardez 403501, Goa
—–––––—
Final List of Voters of
Kamat Abode Wadde Socorro Co-op. Housing Co-op. Society Ltd., Vaddem, Socorro
as on 26th February, 2024
Reg. & Share
Name of the Member
Flat No.
Cert. S.N.
1
2
3
4
1.
Mr. Prashant Y. Gurav & Mrs. Sonali P. Gurav
Member
C-104
2.
Mr. Harish A. Gaitonde
Member
B-04
3.
Mrs. Aachal Abhijit Kerkar
Member
B-201
4.
Mr. Alexio D’souza
Member
C-03
5.
Mrs. Sarita Singh & Mr. Luis Jerome Benedict Pinto
Member
C-102
6.
Mrs. Irene D’souza & Mr. C. F. D’souza
Member
A-103
7.
Mrs. Sarita Singh
Member
C-101
8.
Mr. Laximan alias Laxman Bhiku Fondekar &
Member
B-01
Mrs. Rashmi L. Fondekar
9.
Mr. Oswald Fernandes
Member
B-204
10.
Neena Bhuvad & Mohan G. Bhuvad
Member
B-104
11.
Namrata E. Lotlikar
Member
B-202
12.
Joseph S. D’souza & Fatima M. D’souza
Member
B-02
13.
Sruhid B. Vernekar
Member
B-102
14.
Shridhar C. Acharya
Member
C-02
15.
Amit Sarkar
Member
A-204
16.
Mary D’souza & Kiran Norman D’souza
Member
B-03
17.
Mrs. Bridget Fernandes & Mr. Neil Domnic Fernandes
Member
A-101
18.
Kalinand Suresh Sawant
Member
A-04
19.
Medha Ashok Tamanekar & Mrs. Asmita A. Tamanekar
Member
B-203
20.
Diogo Anthony D’souza & Sybil Ann D’souza
Member
A-201
21.
Dharmesh M. Bhatt & Seema Bhatt
Member
A-202
22.
Mrs. Noreen C. Soares
Member
C-04
23.
Vishwasrao Damania
Member
A-02
24.
Mr. Robert Vaz
Member
C-202
25.
Kum. Nyra DeSouza (minor)
Member
A-01
26.
Mr. Shambhu Kamat
Member
C-203
27.
Mr. Dattaram P. Kamat
Member
C-204
28.
Mr. Diogo Mathew Mendes & Mrs. Josefina Mendes
Member
C-201
29.
Deepak G. Ambre & Rupa D. Ambre
Member
B-101
30.
Mrs. Bridget Fernandes & Mr. Nigel Justin Fernandes
Member
A-102
31.
Shilpa V. Gawas & Mr. Navanath Gawas
Member
C-01
32.
Mr. Anthony Fernandes
Member
A-104
33.
Verginia Gloria Romilla D’souza
Member
A-203
34.
Mrs. Clementine Fernandes
Member
B-103
35.
Mr. Michael Caetano D’souza
Member
A-03
36.
Mr. Subodh S. Walwaiker & Mrs. Manik S. Walwaiker
Member
C-103
Bridget Fernandes, Administrator.
Socorro, 26th February, 2024.
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
5
Samarth Enclave Co-operative Housing Maintenance Society Ltd.
Dinesh Nagar, Ella, Se Old Goa, Goa
—–––––—
List of Members/Voters in Samarth Enclave
Sr. No.
Name
Flat Number
1
2
3
1.
Mrs. Vrunda Vernekar
ASF-1
2.
Mr. Antonio Caetano Azavedo
BSF-2
3.
Mr. Hemkant P. Sawardekar
BUGF-3
4.
Mr. Joaquim Clarence Gomes
DUGF-1
5.
Mrs. Rohini Pande Ambekar
DSF-3
6.
Mrs. Satya Naqvi and
ASF-4
Mr. Mobin Naqvi
7.
Mr. Aviratna Janjal
DSF-4
8.
Mrs. Vijayalaxmi Kapil Changrani
CSF-2
9.
Mr. Hanumant Ulagappa Burkatti and
BUGF-4
Mrs. Veena Shamiraj Chawan
10.
Mr. Dheeraj Vitho Lambor and
CSF-4
Mrs. Swati Dheeraj Lambor
11.
Mr. Anil M. Dubhashi
BSF-1
12.
Mr. Melzer Paul Pinto and
DFF-2
Mrs. Melissa J. Carvalho Pinto
13.
Mr. Charlton E. Gomes
CUGF-1
14.
Mrs. Laxmi V. Sukhathanker
AFF-2
15.
Mr. Ruderic J. DSouza
DUGF-2
16.
Mrs. Audrey Antonette D’Mello
BSF-4
17.
Mrs. Seema V. Kanekar
BSF-3
18.
Mr. Udai M. Paranjape and
CSF-1
Mrs. Pramila U. Paranjape
19.
Mr. Anil Eugene Fernandes
BUGF-1
20.
Mrs. Ruby Rodrigues
CFF-4
21.
Mr. Hermenegildo Fernandes
ASF-3
22.
Mrs. Lata Shankar
ATF-1
23.
Mr. Gopal Kelkar and
AFF-1
Mrs. Usha Gopal Kelkar
24.
Mrs. Hemalatha Shashidhara and
BFF-3
Shashidhara Gururaja
25.
Miss Harshad Satoskar
BFF-1
26.
Mr. Raya Manmohan Kudchadker and
AFF-3
Mr. Manmohan R. Kudchadker
27.
Mr. Siddesh Shripad Naik
CTF-2
28.
Mr. Noel Leonard Josh and
DTF-1
Mrs. Odette Josh
29.
Mr. Rahul Pratik Deshpande
CSF-3
30.
Dr. Uthappa A. R.
DFF-4
31.
Mr. Vinayak Jagannath Fadte
CUGF-4
32.
Mrs. Aruna Bedi and
ESF-3
Mr. Vijay Bedi
33.
Dr. Susitha Rajkumar and
DSF-2
Dr. Racharla Solomon Rajkumar
6
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
1
2
3
34.
Mrs. Devina Dilip Banodkar
DFF-3
35.
Mr. Milburn Pinto and
EUGF-3
Mrs. Sharon Lasrado
36.
Mrs. Samina Tonse
ETF-3
37.
Mr. Sameer Vasant Nanaware and
BTF-1
Mrs. Dipali Sameer Nanaware
38.
Dr. Edna Antony and
EUGF-1
Dr. Mahmadali Budansab Dodamani
39.
Mrs. Sohana Shariff
DFF-1
40.
Mr. Prahlad Mangesh Sukhthankar and
DSF-1
Mrs. Sabreen Prahlad Sukhthankar
Sd/- (Dheeraj Vitho Lambor), Chairman.
Panaji, 15th March, 2024.
——————
Department of Fisheries
Directorate of Fisheries
–––
Order
No. DF/ADMN/DEP/FISH/VOL.I/88/6523
In pursuance to Clause 5 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (hereinafter referred to as “the said Act”),
the following officer/officials are hereby appointed as Public Information Officer for the Directorate of
Fisheries, to deal with the applications received from the public under the said Act.
Sr.
Name &
Name &
Name &
Jurisdiction
No.
designation
designation of
designation
of the Public
the 1st Link Public
of the 2nd Link
Information Officer
Information Officer
Public Information Officer
1
2
3
4
5
1.
Smt. Megha Kerkar,
Smt. Zigyasa Murkar,
Kum. Rohita Naik,
State of Goa.
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries.,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
General Branch
Aquaculture &
Enforcement & Offshore
Marketing Section
2.
Smt. Zigyasa Murkar,
Shri Chandresh Haldankar,
Smt. Megha Kerkar,
State of Goa.
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Aquaculture &
Fisheries Training Centre
General Branch
Marketing Section
3.
Kum. Rohita Naik,
Smt. Megha Kerkar,
Shri Chandresh Haldankar,
State of Goa.
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Enforcement &
General Branch
Fisheries Training Centre
Offshore
4.
Shri Chandresh Haldankar,
Kum. Rohita Naik,
Smt. Zigyasa Murkar,
State of Goa.
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Fisheries Training
Enforcement & Offshore
Aquaculture &
Centre
Marketing Section
5.
Dr. Sunita Pauskar,
Smt. Preetam Naik,
Smt. Varsha Naik Dessai,
State of Goa.
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
North Block
South Block
Central Block
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
7
1
2
3
4
5
6.
Smt. Preetam Naik,
Smt. Varsha Naik Dessai,
Dr. Sunita Pauskar,
State of Goa.
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
South Block
Central Block
North Block
7.
Smt. Varsha Naik Dessai,
Dr. Sunita Pauskar,
Smt. Preetam Naik,
State of Goa.
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Supdt. of Fisheries,
Central Block
North Block
South Block
8.
Smt. Janaki R. Govenkar,
Smt. Sheetal Naik,
Shri Sandeep Naik,
State of Goa.
Office Suptd.,
R.A. Planning & Statistic
Assistant Accounts
Establishment Section
Officer, Accounts Section
9.
Shri Sandeep Naik,
Smt. Janaki R. Govenkar,
Smt. Sheetal Naik,
State of Goa.
Assistant Accounts
Office Suptd., Establishment
R.A. Planning &
Officer, Accounts
Section
Statistic
Section
10.
Smt. Sheetal Naik,
Shri Sandeep Naik,
Smt. Janaki R. Govenkar,
State of Goa.
R.A. Planning & Statistic
Assistant Accounts
Office Suptd.,
Officer, Accounts Section
Establishment Section
The Assistant Public Information Officer shall on receipt of the applications for information or appeal
under the RTI Act forwarded the same forthwith to the Public Information Officer, as required under sub-
-section (1) of Section 7.
The Public Information Officer shall on receipt of a request under Section 6 as expeditiously as possible
and in any case within thirty days of the request, either provides the information on payment of such fees
a may be prescribed or reject the request for any of the reasons of the specified under Section 8 & 9.
The above designated officer/oflicials shall exercise and perform the powers/functions laid down under
the RTI Act, 2005 with immediate effect.
The Dy. Director of Fisheries Shri Chandrkant Velip will be the First Appellant Authority for General
Branch, South Zone, Central Zone and Offshore/Enforcement Section under this Act to hear the appeals
against the decision of the Public Information Officer and Assistant Public Information Officer.
The Dy. Director of Fisheries Dr. Smita Mazumdar will be the First Appellant Authority for Aquaculture/
/Marketing, Fishermen Training Centre/Ela/Keri Farms and North Zone under this Act to hear the appeals
against the decision of the Public Information Officer and Assistant Public Information Officer.
The Dy. Director of (Admn.) Shri Nehal Talaunekar will be the First Appellant Authority for Planning &
Statistics, Establishment and Accounts Section under this Act to hear the appeals against the decision of
the Public Information Officer and Assistant Public Information Officer.
This supersedes all earlier RTI orders.
Dr. Shamila Monteiro, Director (Fisheries).
Panaji, 15th March, 2024.
8
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
Goa Human Rights Commission
Office of the Goa Human Rights Commission
––
Before the Human Rights Commission
Panaji-Goa
Proceeding No. 302/2016
Alcina Fernandes,
President, Social
Justice Forum
…… Complainant.
V/s
Member Secretary,
Goa State Pollution Control
Board and ors.
…… Respondents.
Report on the recommendation made by this
Conmmission.
May it please your Honour
The Respondent No. 1 respectfully hereby
submits the report as per recommendation dated
15-03-2022 and state that, the delay in submitting
the report as per the Order dated 15-03-2022 be
condoned and the report be taken on records. Copy
enclosed;
Advocate for Respondent No. 1
Place: Panaji,
Date: 23-05-2022.
––––
Goa State Pollution Control Board
(An ISO 9001-2015, ISO 14001:2015,
ISO 45001:2018 Certified Board)
––
No. 11/2/22-PCB/Legal/2815
To,
Adv. Joaquim Godinho,
Navelkar Trade Centre,
Off. No. C/S-3, IInd Floor, M.G. Road,
Opp. Azad Maidan, Panaji-Goa.
Sub.:
Report/comments of the Board to be filed
before Human Right Commission in
Proceeding No. 302/2016, Alcina Fernandes
V/s GSPCB and Goa Carbon.
Sir,
The report/comments of the Baord to be filed
before Human Rights Commission with reference of
recommendations made by Hon’ble Human right
Commission vide Order dated 15-3-2022 are as
follows:
15
We make the
Action
following
recommendations
a. The Respondent No. 1
Board will install the
shall install Ambient
AAQM equipment for
Air Monitoring
the period of one year
Equipments
and
carry
out
at different locations
monitoring of the
identified by the
particulate matters
Complainants and
and decide accordingly
carry out the
on the consent to
monitoring at least
operate based on the
over a period of
report.
one year and shall take
into consideration the
reports while issuing
the permission to operate
the unit/
b. Regular inspection shall
be carried out by the
Respondent No. 1
inside the factory and
also within a radius of
one kilometer from the
centre point of the factory
and necessary direction As per the CPCB
shall be given to the
Categorization the
Respondant No. 2/to
unit is categorized as
stop the pollution/if any,
red category.
c. Whenever the consent
As per the NGT order for
to operate the unit of the monitoring, the unit may
Respondent No. 2 is
be inspected on six
given with conditions the
monthly basis.
Respondent No. 1 shall
For compliance of the
see to it that all those condi-
consent conditions.
-tions are complied with
As far as external one
within certain prescribed kilometer is concerned
time limit and if not complied the AAQM will provide
with/the Repondent No. 1
the details of pollution if
shall consider
any. Also unit has
whether to withdraw/
installed online
/suspend consent
emmission
monitoring for stack.
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
9
Accordingly the
renewal of consent to
operate will be
processed.
d. No renewal of consent to
operate the unit shall
be given by the Respon-
dent No. 1 unless all the
conditions mentioned
in previous consent
have been duly complied
with
e. Consent to operate the
unit shall not be given by
the Respondent No. 1 for
more than one year every
time from 01-04-2024,
when the present consent
to operate expires
The
Ambient
Air
Quality
Monitoring
Comparative Report is also enclosed to produce
before Human Rights Commission.
Yours faithfully
Sd/-
Member Secretary (I/c),
Goa State Pollution Control Board.
—––––
Before the Goa Human Rights Commission
Panaji-Goa
Proceeding No. 302/2016
Alcina Fernandes,
President,
Social Justice Forum-Sao Jose De Areal,
H. No. 583/C, Melclive, Igorjewaddo,
Sao Jose De Areal,
Salcete, Goa–403709
…… Complainant.
V/s
1. The Member Secretary,
Goa Pollution Control Board,
Saligao, Bardez-Goa
2. Goa Carbon Limited,
Dempo House,
Campal, Panaji-Goa …… Respondents.
INQUIRY REPORT
(15th March, 2022)
The aforementioned Complainant has filed the
present Complaint dated 24-10-2016, with various
authorities including this Commission, regarding
pollution allegedly caused by the factory of
Respondent No. 2, situated at Sao Jose De Areal,
Salcete-Goa.
2. The Complainant says that the Respondent No. 1
had inspected the Church and the surrounding
houses and made an inspection report which clearly
indicated that the pollution was due to the emission
of the particles from the factory, which does not
have control over the said pollution. According to
the Complainant, the Company, without complying
with the pollution control report, has started the
production. The Complainant annexed several
documents to the Complaint namely the copies of
photographs, Inspection Report of Respondent No. 1,
six complaints to Village Panchayat of Sao Jose De
Areal, newspapers namely: The Goan dated
23-03-2016, Herald dated 23-03-2016, Herald dated
25-04-2016, Herald dated 03-05-2016 and complaint
to the Respondent No. 1.
3. After hearing the Complainant on admission,
notice was issued to the Respondent No. 1 to file
reply.
4. In response to the notice, on 08-06-2017, the
Respondent No.1 filed their reply. The Respondent
No. 1, in short, alleged as follows:- Taking into
consideration the Inspection Report, they issued
directions dated 08-12-2016, under Section 31(A) of
the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1981 (the Air Act, for short) and under Section 33(A)
of the Water (Prevention and Control) of Pollution
Act, 1974 (the Water Act, for short), to the Company
Secretary of M/s. Goa Carbon; the Company was
directed to submit compliance report and the
Executive Director of the Company filed the reply
and compliance report dated 22-12-2016; the
Company appeared to have made efforts by
adopting various measures as mentioned in the
compliance report; the officials of the Respondent
No. 1 again carried out inspection of the Unit of
M/s. Goa Carbon on 17-04-2017 in the presence of
the officials of M/s. Goa Carbon Limited and
submitted a report which suggested various
recommendations to be complied with by the Unit
of Goa Carbon; the stack monitoring of kiln and
cooler stack of the factory was conducted at three
different locations during the period from
30-01-2017 and 17-02-2017; the Ambient Air Quality
Monitoring was done from 02-02-2017 to 16-03-2017
at three different locations and the analytical
reports showed that the pollution exceeded the
permissible limits; efforts are being made by the
Unit to comply with the recommendations in order
to reduce the stack emission and to control the
pollution. Along with their reply, the Respondent
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4TH APRIL, 2024
No. 1 produced copies of various documents namely:
directions dated 08-12-2016 under Section 31(A) of
the Air Act, given by the Respondent No. 1;
inspection report of the Respondent No. 1 dated
18-11-2016 with annexures; reply dated 22-12-2016
of the Respondent No. 2 and inspection report of
the Respondent No. 1 dated 23-03-2017 along with
annexures.
5. Thereafter on 18-06-2017, in the presence of
the President of the Complainant and Special Public
Prosecutor on behalf of the Respondent No. 1, it was
recorded in the roznama that the records indicate
that the Respondent No. 1 has taken appropriate
steps in this matter. The Complainant did not object
for such recording. The learned Sp. P.P. stated that
three months time was granted to the Unit to take
certain measures to control pollution by installing
equipments and that the Unit has been directed to
furnish Bank Guarantee of Rs. 10 lakhs. The learned
Sp. P.P. further submitted that in case the Unit fails
to adhere to the directives of the Pollution Control
Board, the Board shall initiate legal steps against
the Company/Unit. On 07-11-2017, the learned
Sp. P.P. submitted that Renewal of Consent dated
19-09-2017, valid for 90 days from the date of issue,
has been given to the Company to operate the Unit
with conditions and that Bank Guarantee of Rs. 10
lakhs has been taken from M/s. Goa Carbon Limited.
On 22-11-2017, an application was filed by the
Respondent No. 1 thereby stating about the said
Consent and Bank Guarantee. Copies of the Consent
and the Bank Guarantee were produced. On
12-03-2018, the learned Sp. P.P. produced a copy of
the directions dated 15-02-2018, issued by the
Member Secretary of the Respondent No. 1,
directing the Company to close/suspend the
operation of the Unit within a period of 15 days from
the receipt of the directions since the operation of
the Unit was after the expiry of the Consent dated
19-09-2017 and without obtaining the Renewal. On
04-07-2018, the learned Sp. P.P. produced a copy of
the Renewal of Consent dated 07-06-2018 to operate
under certain conditions, which was to remain in
force for three months i.e. till 07-09-2018. This
Consent was in supersession of the earlier Consent
Order dated 09-03-2018. On 04-01-2019 the
Respondent No. 1 filed Status Report along with
several annexures. The Complainant, on 20-03-2019
filed reply to the said status report and produced
photographs of the site and a CD-R dated
20-03-2019. On 28-03-2019, the Respondent No. 1, in
supersession of earlier Consent Orders issued vide
Order No. 5/1985/18-PCB/CI-4850 dated 11-09-2018 and
Amendment No. 5/1985/14-PCB/CI-4951 dated
16-11-2018, issued renewal of consent to operate valid
upto 31-03-2024, i.e. for five years. On 06-06-2019, it
was reported on behalf of the Complainant that
though the Consent to operate the Unit had expired
on 31-03-2019, however, the factory Unit was still
operating. Hence the Police Investigation Team of
this Commission was directed to carry out
inspection within a radius of one kilometer from the
center point of the factory to ascertain air pollution
on account of operation of the Unit. On 04-07-2019,
the Police Investigation Team submitted its
Inspection Report along with annexures. On 10-06-
2020, the Complainant filed reply to the inspection
report submitted by the Police Inspection Team and
pointed out that the inspection report mentioned
that in order to detect respirable dust, fresh ambient
air quality monitoring was required to be done in
the surrounding area for which the Panchayat and
local residents were required to provide sites/
locations to carry out the said monitoring. The
Respondent No. 1 was therefore asked to clarify
about the above. The Police Inspection Team was
directed to produce all the photographs which were
taken at the site but not produced. On 06-07-2020,
reply was filed by the Respondent No. 1 and the
Police Inspection Team produced copies of
photographs. Say was filed by the Complainant. On
12-11-2020, the Complainant filed application
suggesting the premises of which photographs
were required to be produced. The Police Inspection
Team filed reply to the said application.
6. On 11-02-2021, the Goa Carbon Limited filed
application for leave to intervene in the Proceedings.
By Order dated 09-04-2021, this Commission allowed
the application and the Goa Carbon Limited was
added as Respondent No. 2.
7. The Respondent No. 2 filed their reply to the
Complaint. They, in short, stated as follows:- The
Goa plant, manufacturing Calcined Petroleum Coke
(CPC) has been operational for the last more than
four decades. The Respondent No. 2 has done its
functioning with due care and caution and out of
the total 57 workmen, 70% are locals. More than 40
direct and more than 200 indirect employees have
been working for the past 20 years without any
symptoms of serious illness. The plant has been
operational after complying with the applicable
statutory permissions and with valid consent to
operate issued by the Respondent No. 1 which is
valid upto 31-03-2024. Based on the suggestions
made by the Respondent No. 1, the Respondent No. 2
has implemented numerous measures to maintain
the plant, including investment of Rs. 5 crores to
install a state of the art Dust Extraction System
(DES)/Air Pollution Control System (APCS) to
significantly negate the dust particles. The
Complaint is not relevant as the Company has taken
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
11
all the necessary measures as directed to be taken
by competent authorities and is operating within
prescribed norms. The Respondent No. 1 has
prepared proficient report dated 10-02-2020 and the
Police Investigation Team has also submitted Site
Inspection Report. The Respondent No. 2 has taken
measures from time to time to control the pollution
in the vicinity of the factory (A list of fifteen
measures has been given in paragraph 14 of the
reply). The Respondent No. 2 has, inter alia,
produced renewal of consent dated 28-03-2019,
issued by the Respondent No. 1, which is valid upto
31-03-2024, presentation to the dignitaries, report of
Respondent No. 1 on Ambient Air Quality, report of
Police Investigation Team.
8. The Complainant has filed a rejoinder to the
reply of the Respondent No. 2.
9. Final arguments were heard. Adv. Ms. A.
Almeida argued on behalf of the Complainant. Adv.
Shri J. Godinho argued on behalf of the Respondent
No. 1 and Sr. Adv. Shri Sudin Usgaonkar argued on
behalf of the Respondent No. 2. We have gone
through the entire material on record.
10. It was contended by the Ld. Sr. Advocate of
the Respondent No. 2 that the Factory of the
Respondent No. 2 has been operational for the last
50 years and that the population in that area has
become dense only now and hence the Respondent
No. 2 cannot be blamed. It is not the case of the
Respondent No. 2 that there are restrictions on
residing within the radius of certain distance from
the factory and that people are illegally residing
there. The above contention of the Respondent No. 2
cannot be accepted since that cannot give right to
the Respondent No. 2 to pollute the locality.
11. It was contended by the Ld. Sr. Counsel for
the Respondent No. 2 that there is regulatory
mechanism, for control of pollution, i.e. the
Respondent No. 1 and that private persons cannot
be experts and that since the factory of the
Respondent No. 2 is operating under valid consent
given by the Respondent No. 1, the proper course
would be to challenge the order of consent and not
to file complaint of violation of human rights. No
doubt, anybody can establish and operate industrial
plant with the previous consent of the Respondent
No. 1 and if consent is wrongly given, the same can
be challenged. But it should be kept in mind that
the consents given to the Respondent No. 2 were
under certain conditions. In their reply filed on
08-06-2017, to the Complaint, the Member Secretary
of the Respondent No. 1 has stated that the Ambient
Air Quality Monitoring was conducted from
02-02-2017 to 16-03-2017 at three different locations
and the analytical results showed that the pollution
exceeded permissible limits. The Respondent No. 1
has produced the Inspection Report along with the
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring report with
analytical report. It is seen from the records that the
consent to operate dated 19-09-2017 vide order
bearing No. 5/1985/14-PCB/CI-3201 was issued to the
unit of the Respondent No. 2 with certain conditions,
one of which was to streamline the coke (RCP and
CPC) handling activities and to install adequate
and effective Air Pollution Control Systems in rotary
kiln stack, within 3 months but during inspection it
was found that the unit had not installed the Air
Pollution Control Systems and the unit was being
operated in violation of the Consent condition. That
constituted an offence. By order dated 15-02-2018,
the Respondent No. 1 had directed the Respondent
No. 2 to close/suspend the operation of the unit.
12. The Officials of the Respondent No. 1 had
carried out inspection of the locality on 22-03-2015.
Coarse black powder particles were seen deposited
on the Mangalore tiles and in the balcony of the
Church building. In the balcony of the house of Mrs.
Alina Fernandes also, coarse black powder particles
were seen deposited. The housekeeping inside the
factory unit was found to be not satisfactory and
coarse particles were found inside the premises.
Inspection was again carried out on 18-11-2016.
Similar dust particles were found accumulated on
the nearby residences near the factory. Such
deposits certainly result in undesirable interference
with the comfort of the residents. Several
recommendations were made by the inspection
team after both the inspections. There are
photographs produced by the Complainant which
show black powder particles on the roof and plants.
13. The Investigation cell of this Commission, as
per the direction of the Commission, on 18-06-2019,
carried out site inspection within a radius of one
kilometer from the central point of the factory. At a
distance of about 10 metres from the factory, mango
leaves turned black due to deposit of black dust
were seen. Within a distance of about 100 metres
from the factory, part of the field soil which was not
ploughed, was seen black in colour. Black particles
were seen in the nullah. Black particles were seen
on the roof of the house of Maria Joaquina near the
factory. Black dust particles were found inside the
houses on the floor, stair cases, balconies, furniture,
cars, two-wheelers, coconut leaves, alters/statues
of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, etc. The Inspection
Report says that the consent conditions are partly
complied with.
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4TH APRIL, 2024
14. The unit of the Respondent No. 2
manufactures Calcined Petroleum Coke from
processing of raw Petroleum Coke. This is
hazardous. Therefore, pollution is bound to be there
and it can cause skin, eye or lung irritation. Air
pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks
to the health of the people. The lower the pollution,
the better the health of the people. Merely because
the consent to operate given to the Respondent No. 2
has not been challenged, it cannot be automatically
said that the unit of the Respondent No. 2 does not
cause pollution. It is seen that every time the
consent to operate is given with several conditions
but we do not find that serious attempts have been
made by the Respondent No. 1 to see if those
conditions are strictly complied with. The right to
breathe clean air is a human right and air pollution
is a violation of human rights. In our considered
opinion, some recommendations must be made to
the Respondent No. 1.
15. We make the following recommendations:
(a) The Respondent No. 1 shall install Ambient Air
Monitoring Equipments at different locations
identified by the Complainants and carry out the
monitoring at least over a period of one year and
shall take into consideration the reports while issuing
the permission to operate the unit;
(b) Regular inspection shall be carried out by the
Respondent No. 1 inside the factory and also within
a radius of one kilometer from the center point of the
factory and necessary direction shall be given to the
Respondent No. 2, to stop the pollution, if any;
(c) Whenever the consent to operate the unit of the
Respondent No. 2 is given with conditions, the
Respondent No. 1 shall see to it that all those
conditions are complied with within certain
prescribed time limit and if not complied with, the
Respondent No. 1 shall consider whether to
withdraw/suspend consent;
(d) No renewal of consent to operate the unit shall
be given by the Respondent No. 1 unless all the
conditions mentioned in previous consent have been
duly complied with;
(e) Consent to operate the unit shall not be given
by the Respondent No. 1 for more than for one year
every time, from 01-04-2024, when the present
consent to operate expires.
16. Under Section 18(e) of the Protection of Human
Rights Act, 1993, the Commission shall send a copy
of the Inquiry Report together with its
recommendations to the concerned Government or
authority and they shall, within a period of one
month from today or such further time as the
Commission may allow, forward its comments on
the report, including the action taken or proposed
to be taken, to the Commission.
17. Copy of the Inquiry Report be sent to the
Respondent No. 1, calling for their comments,
including the action taken or proposed to be taken
within a period of one month or on or before
18-04-2022, in terms of Section 18(e) of the Protection
of Human Rights Act, 1993.
The proceeding stands disposed of, accordingly.
Panaji, 15-03-2022.
——————
Department of Information and Publicity
–––
Order
No. DI/INF/Hoarding Policy/2024/10998
Sub.: The Goa State Outdoor Advertising Policy,
2024.
The Government has approved the Goa State
Outdoor Advertising Policy, 2024 and is duly notified
in the Official Gazette.
The Government has appointed the Entertainment
Society of Goa as a “Competent Authority” which
shall act as one Centralized Agency for grant of
permission and for monitoring purpose.
The Government is pleased to constitute an
Adhoc Committee to finalise the guidelines and to
remove any difficulties in implementation of the
Policy and for enacting an appropriate legislation
in terms of Clause 5 of the Policy of the following
officials:
1. Director, DIP, Panaji
— Chairman.
2. Jt. Secretary (Law), Secretariat,
— Member.
Porvorim
3. General Manager, ESG, Panaji — Member.
4. Adv. Maria Simone Correia,
— Member.
Government Advocate, Panaji
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
13
5. Secretary, Goa All Goa Hoardings — Member.
Owners Association, Panaji
6. Jt. Director, DIP, Panaji
— Member
Secretary.
This issues with the approval of the Government
vide U.O. No. 11843/F dated March 18, 2024.
By order and in the name of the Governor of
Goa.
Dipak Bandekar, Director (Information & Publicity)
& Addl. Secretary.
Panaji, 27th March, 2024.
——————
Department of Labour
––
Notification
No. 28/02/2024-LAB/72
The following Award passed by the Labour
Court-II, at Panaji-Goa on 04-01-2024 in Case No.
LC-II/IT/03/2017 is hereby published as required
under Section 17 of the Industrial Disputes Act,
1947 (Central Act 14 of 1947).
By order and in the name of the Governor of
Goa.
Asha Harmalkar, Under Secretary (Labour).
Porvorim, 5th February, 2024.
––––
THE LABOUR COURT-II
GOVERNMENT OF GOA
AT PANAJI
(Before Shri Suresh N. Narulkar, Hon’ble
Presiding Officer)
Case No. LC-II/IT/03/2017
Shri Chandan Phadte,
Rep. by its General Secretary,
Gomantak Mazdoor Sangh,
Tisk, Ponda-Goa.
…… Workman/Party I
V/s
M/s. Royal Orchid Beach Resort and Spa,
Utorda Beach, Salcete-Goa. …… Employer/Party II
Workman/Party I represented by Ld. Adv. Shri S. Gaonkar.
Employer/Party II represented by Ld. Adv. Shri D. Naik.
Panaji, dated: 04-01-2024
AWARD
1. In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause
(c) of sub-section (1) of Section 10 of the Industrial
Disputes Act, 1947 (Central Act 14 of 1947), the
Government of Goa, by Order dated 09-01-2017,
bearing No. 28/56/2016-LAB/23, referred the
following dispute for adjudication to the Labour
Court-II at Panaji-Goa, constituted under Section 7
of the said Act.
“(1) Whether Mr. Chandan Phadte, Manager EDP, can
be constructed as “workman” as per Section 2(s)
of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (Central Act
14 of 1947)?
(2) If the answer to the issue No. (1) above is in the
affirmative, then, whether the action of the
management of M/s. Royal Orchid Beach Resort
and Spa, Utorda, Beach, Salcete, South Goa, in
refusing employment to Mr. Chandan Phadte,
Manager EDP, with effect from 03-11-2015, is legal
and justified?
(3) If the answer to the issue No. (2) above is in the
negative, then, what relief the workman is
entitled to?”.
2. On receipt of the reference, a case was registered
under No. LC-II/IT/03/2017 and registered A/D notice
was issued to the Parties. In pursuance to the said
notice, the Parties put in their appearance. The
Workman/Party-I (for short ‘Workman’), filed her
Statement of Claim on 06-03-2017 at Exb-4. The facts
of the case in brief as pleaded by the Workman that
he was appointed as EDP Technician by the Employer
since 19-06-2014. He stated that the Workman was in
continuous service and have completed 240 days
continuously during the preceding 12 months. He
stated that though the Workman was working as EDP
Technician, he was designated as EDP Manager only
to take him out of the purview of the Industrial
Dispute Act, 1947. He stated that though he was
designated as EDP Manager, he was not having any
powers of managerial or supervisory and he was
physically doing the work of EDP Technician. He
stated that he was confirmed in the service w.e.f.
19-12-2014. He stated that on 3-11-2015 he was asked
not to join and he will be issued a separate letter by
HR-Manager. He stated that he waited for 15 days
and made representation to the Management vide
his representation dt. 23-11-2015. He stated that after
about one week, he raised an industrial dispute of
refusal of employment w.e.f. 3-11-2015 before the Dy.
Labour Commissioner, Margao through his union. He
stated that when the management came to know that
the Workman has raised the industrial dispute before
the Dy. Labour Commissioner, Margao, the
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OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
authorized representative of the Employer has issued
a letter dt.1-12-2015 alleging that the Workman
remained absent from 3-11-2015 to 24-11-2015 and in
the same letter the management has discontinued
his services. He stated that on receipt of the said letter
dt.1-12-2015 he submitted his reply vide his
representation dt. 4-12-2015. He stated that on receipt
of the letter dt. 30-11-2015 the Dy. Labour
Commissioner called both parties for conciliation
which ended in failure on account of adamant
attitude of the Employer.
3. The Workman contended that in accordance
with the terms of appointment, he had to perform
the duties as per orders and instructions from the
General Manager of the Employer. He submitted that
his normal duties were of technical nature such as
installation of Hardware and Software and
troubleshooting of Hardware and Software, sending
mails and feeding the data etc. He submitted that
he was carrying out the above work physically and
he was not having any power of Managerial or
Supervisory. He submitted that he was doing the
work of IT Technician and was feeding the programme
in EDP/IT Department. He submitted that he was
also performing the duties of clerical nature attached
to the EDP/IT Department of the Employer. He
submitted that he was not supervising any work nor
was he leave sanctioning authority. He submitted
that he was doing the work as per the directions of
his superior. He submitted that as he was performing
Technical and Clerical nature of work, he is a
Workman as defined under Section 2(s) of the
Industrial Dispute Act, 1947. He submitted that
before refusal of his employment the management
has not issued any charge-sheet nor conducted any
inquiry and as such refusal of his employment is in
violation of principles of natural justice. He
submitted that the management has not paid nor
offered him the legal dues such as retrenchment
compensation, gratuity and other dues at the time of
refusal of his employment, and as such violated
Section 25F of the I.D. Act, 1947. He submitted that
after the refusal of his employment, a new Workman
was appointed in his place of work and hence
violated Section 25H & 25G of the I.D. Act, 1947. He
submitted that the Employer has not complied with
the provisions of law in force hence, his termination
is illegal and bad in law. He submitted that he is
therefore entitled for reinstatement along with back
wages and continuity in service and consequential
benefits thereof. He submitted that after his refusal
of service, he is unemployed and could not succeed
in getting the employment. The Workman therefore
prayed that he may be declared as Workman as
defined under Section 2(S) of the I.D. Act, 1947 and
the action of the management in refusing him
employment w.e.f. 03-11-2015 be declared as illegal,
unjustified and quash the same. The Workman
further prayed that he be granted the relief of
reinstatement with full back wages and continuity
in service along with consequential benefits.
4. The Employer resisted the aforesaid claim of
the party-I by filing its written statement on
09-06-2017 at Exb. 5. The Employer, as and by way of
its preliminary objections, submitted that the
Party-I is not a Workman as defined u/s 2(s) of the I.D.
Act, 1947, that the present case does not fall under
I. D. Act and hence this court has no jurisdiction to
entertain and try the same, that the nature of relief
sought by the Party-I is founded on a cause of action
purportedly arising from an act committed solely by
the party-I himself. Hence, the statement of claim is
liable to be dismissed in limine that the statement of
claim is bound to be defeated for non-joinder of
necessary parties and that from the averment made
in the statement of claim, the Party-I has not furnished
list of documents, documents and also not furnished
list of witnesses as mandated under the Industrial
Disputes Rules, therefore the statement of claim
ought to be dismissed at the threshold.
5. The Employer stated that the Employer
admitted that its establishment is situated at Utorda,
Salcete, Goa. The Employer stated that the Party-I
was initially issued letter of intent dated 04-06-2014
and subsequently, by letter dt. 19-06-2014, the party-I
was appointed as “EDP Manager” on a probation
period of six months initially. The Employer stated
that the Party-I was a manager and head of EDP
Department who had full control of EDP Department
and he used to supervise the work designated by
him to his subordinates. The Employer stated that
the Party-I had also all the managerial as well as
supervisory powers of EDP Department and that had
powers to sanction leave of the staff working under
him in his department. The Employer admitted that
after his probation period, the Workman was
confirmed in the IT Department w.e.f. 19-12-2014. The
Employer stated that the Party-I remained absent
unauthorizedly from 01-11-2015 onwards and has
abandoned the services of the Employer during the
crucial time when EDP/IT Department was
undergoing up-gradation of the EDP Services of the
establishment. The Employer stated that during the
up-gradation time, the presence of the party-I were
required the most. The Employer stated that due to
the act of the Party-I, the Wifi and IDS package was
not functional resulting in guest services suffering
and putting them in complete hardship. The
Employer stated that due to the abandonment of
service of the Party-I, they had to face mental trauma
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
SERIES II No. 1
4TH APRIL, 2024
15
and huge financial loss to them since the system
(EDP) were not operational. The Employer stated that
the party-I was very adamant in his approach and
under the garb of industrial dispute wanted to extort
money from them by abusing the process of law. The
Employer submitted that the reference is bad in law
and the alleged dispute is frivolous, founded on
distortion of facts and is a mere abuse of law. The
Employer stated that the party-I was EDP Manager,
who controlled the entire EDP/IT Department. The
Employer submitted that the Party-I was EDP/IT
Manager and his duties were to supervise and guide
the staff working under him. The Employer submitted
that for installation of hardware and software and
troubleshooting of hardware and software, it requires
special qualification, skill and expertise for which
the party-I for appointed as EDP manager so as to
manage and supervise the EDP Department. The
Employer stated that the Party-I has himself
abandoned the services without any notice to them
and therefore the payment of retrenchment
compensation does not arise. The Employer stated
that the Party-I is also not entitled for gratuity as per
the law since he does not fulfilled the criteria under
the payment of gratuity act. The Employer denied
the entire case as pleaded by the Party-I and prayed
for rejection of the present reference.
6. Thereafter, the Party-I filed his re-joinder on
05-07-2017 at Exb. 7. The Party-I, as and by way of his
re-joinder,confirms and reiterates all his submissions,
averments and statements made in his Claim
Statement to be true and correct and denies all the
statements, averments and submissions made by the
Employer in its Written Statement, which are
contrary to his Statement and averments made in his
Claim Statement.
7. Based on the pleadings filed by the respective
parties, this court framed certain issues on 19-07-2017
at Exb. 8.
1. Whether the Workman/Party I proves that he is
a ‘workman’ within the meaning of Section 2 (s)
of the I.D. Act, 1947?
2. Whether the Workman/Party-I proves that the
action of the Employer in refusing him
employment w.e.f. 3-11-2015 is illegal and
unjustified?
3. Whether the Employer/Party-II proves that
the present order of reference is bad-in-law
in view of the reasons stated in para I (ii),
(iii), (iv) and (v) by way of preliminary
objections?
4. Whether the Employer/Party-II proves that
the Party-I was primarily performing the
duties of managerial and supervisory in
nature?
5. Whether the Employer/Party-II proves that
the Party-I abondoned his service without
any notice?
6. Whether the Workman/Party-I is entitled to
any relief?
7. What order? What award?
8. My answers to the aforesaid issues are as
under:
(a) Issue No. 1
:
In the affirmative.
(b) Issue No. 2
:
In the affirmative.
(c) Issue No. 3
:
In the negative.
(d) Issue No. 4
:
In the negative.
(e) Issue No. 5
:
In the negative.
(f)
Issue No. 6 & 7:
As per final order.
REASONS
I have heard the oral arguments of Ld. Adv. Shri S.
Gaonkar, appearing for the Party-I as well as Ld. Adv.
Shri D. Naik representing the Employer.
9. Ld. Adv. Shri S. Gaonkar appearing for the Party-I,
during the course of his oral arguments, submitted
that the Party-I was appointed as EDP Technician by
the Employer and was confirmed in the service w.e.f.
19-12-2014. He submitted that though the Party-I
was appointed as EDP Technician, he was
designated as EDP Manager only to take him out of
the permit of I.D. Act, 1947. He submitted that the
Party-I was not having powers of managerial or
supervisory and he was physically performing the
work of EDP Technician. He submitted that on
03-11-2015 the Party-I was instructed not to join duty
by HR-Manager Mrs. Kritika Khapne. He submitted
that the Party-I, after waiting for a period of 15 days,
made a representation to the Management and
thereafter raised an industrial dispute of refusal of
employment w.e.f. 03-11-2015 through his union
before the Dy. Labour Commissioner, Margao. He
submitted that the Party-I was performing his duties
as per the orders and instructions from the General
Manager of Employer as per the terms of appointment.
He submitted that the duties of the Party-I were of
Technical nature such as installation of hardware
and software, troubleshooting of hardware and
software sending mails and feeding the data,
mounting of Wifi access point on the pole by carrying
laden, changing batteries of UPS periodically,
servicing of computers, printers etc. He submitted
that the Party-I was performing the work of IT
Technician and was feeding the programme of EDP/
/IT Department. He submitted that the Party-I was
performing the duties of clerical nature attached to
the EDP/IT department of the Employer. He submitted
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that as the Party-I was performing the technical as
well as clerical nature of work, he is a Workman as
defined u/s 2(s) of the I. D. Act, 1947. He submitted
that the services of the Party-I have been refused by
the Employer w.e.f. 03-11-2015 without issuing any
show cause notice nor issued charge-sheet not
conducted domestic inquiry pertaining to his alleged
misconduct of abandonment. He submitted that the
Party-I was also not issued one month notice or one
month pay in lieu of notice, retrenchment
compensation etc. He therefore submitted that the
action of the management of the Employer is in
violation of the principles of natural justice as well
as in violation of Section 25F, 25H and 25 G of the I. D.
Act of 1947. He submitted that non-compliance of
the provisions of law, the action of the management
in terminating the services of the Party-I is illegal,
unjustified and bad-in-law. He submitted that from
the date of termination of the services of the Party-I,
he is unemployed and could not succeed in getting
alternate employment. He submitted that this
Hon’ble Court may pass an award holding that the
action of the management of the Employer in refusing
the employment to the Party-I is illegal and
unjustified and direct the Employer to reinstate the
Party-I with full back wages along with continuity in
service and consequential benefits thereof. In
support of his oral contention, Ld. Adv. S. Gaonkar
relied upon the following judgments of Hon’ble High
Court of Bombay.
1. In the case of Procter and Gamble Ltd. V/s.
Anup Desai reported in (2021) 4 Bom. CR 621.
2. In the case of Damodar Mangeshkar V/s.
Cidade de Goa and ors. reported in 2021 (6) MH.
LJ 677.
3. In the case of VFC Industries Pvt. Ltd. V/s.
Balu Ganpat Satpal reported in 2006 (6) MH LJ 535.
4. In the case of Gangaram K. Medekar V/s. Zenith
Safe Manufacturing Company and ors. reported
in 1996 (1) LLM 703.
5. In the case of Gwalior Investment Co. Pvt. Ltd.
V/s. K. M. Desai, Member, Industrial Court and
ors. reported in (1992 ) 65 FLR 489.
6. In the case of Bhatiya General Hospital and
anr. V/s. Hanmant Anandrao Raje and ors. reported
in 2023 SCC online Bom. 1105.
He also relied upon the two judgements of Hon’ble
Apex Court,
7. In the case of G. T. Lad and ors. V/s. Chemicals
and Fibres of India Ltd. reported in (1979) 1 SCC
590.
8. In the case of Deepali Gundu Survase V/s.
Kranti Junior Adhyapak Mahavidyalya and ors.
reported in (2013) 10 SCC 324.
10. Per contra, Ld. Adv. Shri D. Naik, representing
the Employer, during the course of his oral
arguments, submitted that the Party-I was issued a
letter of intent dt. 4-6-2014 by which he was issued
an offer as EDP Manager on a monthly salary of
Rs. 40500/-. He submitted that the Party-I was
appointed as EDP Manager on a salary of Rs. 40500/-
per month. He submitted that the Party-I was the
head of the EDP Department was having the full
control of EDP Department. He submitted that he
used to direct and supervise the work to his
subordinates Mr. Gouresh Borkar, EDP Assistant and
Mr. Soham Chari – Industrial Trainee. He submitted
that the Party-I was having all managerial and
supervisory powers of EDP Department. He
submitted that the Party-I was also the leave
sanctioning authority of the staff working under him
in his Department. He submitted that the Party-I used
to attend the meeting on every day except Saturdays
and Sundays along with other managers. He
submitted that the Party-I is to control the entire EDP/
/IT Department of the Employer establishment during
his tenure of EDP Management. He submitted that
the Party-I being EDP Manager was primarily
performing the duties of Managerial and Supervisory
in nature and as such the Party-I is not a Workman as
defined u/s 2(s) of the I.D. Act, 1947. He submitted
that since the Party-I is not a Workman as defined
u/s 2(s) of the I.D. Act, 1947, this Hon’ble Court has no
jurisdiction to entertain and try the alleged dispute
and the order of reference is bad-in-law. In support
of his oral contention, Ld. Adv. D. Naik relied upon
the following judgments of Hon’ble High Court of
Bombay.
01. In the case of 21st century Printers Ltd.,
Mumbai V/s. A. P. Abrahim and anr. reported in
2008 III CLR 616.
02. In the case of Nagesh Priolkar, Ponda, Goa
V/s. Manager (Personnel and Administrative), M/s
E Merck (India) Ltd. Goa and anr. reported in 2017
III CLR 805.
03. In the case of M/s. Taj Sats Air catering Goa
Unit V/s. Mr. Mankayil Poulose Jose and anr.
reported in 2022 (I) JLR 472.
He also relied upon the following judgments of
Hon’ble High court of Delhi:
04. In the case of V. K. Sharma V/s. Govt. of
NCT of Delhi and anr. reported in 2008 II CLI
971.
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05. In the case of Anitha Mathur v/s. Idea
Cellular Ltd. reported in 2012 1 LLJ 701.
06. In the case of Subhash Kumar v/s. Manoj
Reparing and Job works reported in 2020 I CLR
605.
07. In the case of Jagbir Singh Malik v/s. Energy
Infrastructure India Ltd. reported in 2023 II CLR
255.
He also relied upon the following 2 judgments of
High court of Gujarat and a judgment of Hon’ble High
Court of Madras, Calcutta and a judgment of Hon’ble
Apex Court.
08. In the case of Kusters Calico Machinery Pvt.
Ltd. v/s. Mayur Kumar J. Pathak and ors. reported
in 2016 I CLR 979 of Hon’ble High Court of
Gujarat.
09. In the case of Essar Project Ltd. v/s N D
Jagdishwara reported in 2016 I CLR 190 of Hon’ble
High Court of Gujarat.
10. In the case of Ess dee Aluminium Ltd.
v/s. State of West Bengal and ors. reported in
2018 I CLR 504 of Hon’ble High Court of Culcutta.
11. In the case of Employees State Insurance
Corporation Medical Officers Association V/s. ESIC
and anr. reported in 2014 1CLR 1 of Hon’ble
Supreme Court of India.
I have carefully perused the entire records of the
present case including the synopsis of written
arguments filed by Ld. Adv. Shri S. Gaonkar
appearing for the Workman. I have also carefully
considered the submissions advanced before me and
is of the considered opinion as under:
11. Issue No. 1 and 4:
I am deciding the Issue No. 1 & 4 simultaneously
as both the said issues are co-related to each other.
12. Since, the Employer denied the status of the
party-I as the Workman as defined u/s 2(s) of the I. D.
Act, 1947, the burden was cast on the Workman to
prove that he is a “workman” as define u/s 2(s) of the
I. D. Act, 1947. Similarily, Since the management
contended that the party-I was primarily performing
the duties of managerial and supervisory in nature,
the burden was cast on the Employer to prove the
same.
13. Section 2(s) of the I. D. Act, 1947 has defined
the term of “workman” and as such it is necessary to
read the section as under.
Section 2 (s) of the I.D. Act, 1947 defines the term
‘workman’ and it means “any person (including an
apprentice) employed in any industry to do any
manual, unskilled, skilled, technical, operational,
clerical or supervisory work for hire or reward, whether
the terms of employment be expressed or implied and
for the purpose of any proceedings under this act in
relation to an industrial dispute, includes any such
person who has been dismissed, discharged or
retrenched in connection with or a consequence of that
dispute or dismissal, discharge or retrenchment has
led that to that dispute, but does not include any such
person.
(1) Who is subject to the AIR Force Act, 1950 (45
of 1950) or the Army Act, 1950 (46 of 1950) or
the Navy Act, 1957 (62 of 1957) or
(2) Who is employed in the police service or as an
Officer or other employee of a person or
(3) Who is employed mainly in a mangerial or
administrative capacity
(4) Who being employed in a supervisory capacity
draws wages exceeding Rs. 1,600/- per month
or exercises either by the nature of the duties
attached to the office or by reason of the powers
vested in him, functions mainly of a managerial
nature.”
14. In the case of H. R. Adyanthaya v/s Sandoz (I)
Ltd. reported in 1994 (69) FLR 593 the Hon’ble
Supreme Court of India held that a person claiming
to be a “workman” under the I. D. Act, 1947 must
show that he was employed to do the work of any of
the category which of manual, unskilled, skilled,
technical, operational, clerical or supervisory and
that is not enough that he was not covered by either
of the four exceptions to the definition of the
workman.
“15. In the case of Management of M/s Sonepate
Co-operative Sugar Mills Ltd. v/s Ajit Singh
reported in 2005 LAB IC 1315, the Hon’ble Supreme
Court of India observed that the question as to
whether the Employee has been performing a clerical
work or not is required to be determined upon
arriving at the findings as regards the dominant
nature of duty with a view to give effect to the
expression to do “any manual unskilled, skilled,
technical, operational, clerical or supervisory work”,
the job of the concerned employee must fall within
one or other category thereof. It would therefore not
be correct to contend that merely because the
employee had not been performing any managerial
or supervisory duties, ipso facto, he would be a
Workman”.
16. In the case of Bhatia General Hospital and
anr. (Supra), the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay in
para 16 and 18 observed as under:
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“16. The definition of “workman” under Section 2(s)
of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 is of wide
amplitude. Four classes of employees are, however,
specifically excluded from the definition of workman.
An employee who is employed mainly in a managerial
or administrative capacity or the one who is employed
in a supervisory capacity, draws wages exceeding Rs.
10,000/- per month or exercises, either by nature of the
duties attached to the office or by reason of the powers
vested in him, functions mainly of a managerial nature
is, inter alia, excluded from the definition of workman.
The use of the term, “mainly” underscores the
dominant nature of the duty so as to fall outside the
protective umbrella of the labour legislation. By its
very nature, the question as to whether an employee
is a workman or not is rooted in facts”.
“18. This being the nature of the definition of
workman, the nomenclature of the post held by an
employee is not of decisive significance. It is in the
nature of the duty and not the nomenclature of the
position that matters. Whether the overall
consideration of the duty performed by the employee
satisfies the description of the duties being either
supervisory or mainly managerial nature, is the
question to be posed.”
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble High Court
of Bombay in its aforesaid case is well established
and also applicable to the case in hand.
17. In the case of Gwalior Investment Co. Pvt.
Ltd., (Supra) the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay in
para 7 of its judgment held as under:
7……………… Irrespective of the wages paid, the
test to determine whether a person is a workman or
not is laid down by the Supreme Court in A. G.
Raj Rao v. Ciba Giegy of India Ltd., Bombay, the
Supreme Court has held”:
“Whether a particular employee is a workman
within the meaning of the expression as defined in
Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 or a
person employed in a supervisory capacity the test
that one must employ is what was the primary, basic
or dominant nature of duties for which the person
whose status is under enquiry was employed. A few
extra duties would hardly be relevant to determine his
status. The words like managerial or supervisory have
to be understood in their proper connotation and their
mere use should not detract from the truth. The
definition of the expression workman clearly shows
that the person concerned would not cease to be a
workman if the performs some supervisory duties but
he must be a person who must be engaged in a
supervisory capacity.”
18. Thus, in order to prove that the Party-I was a
“Workman” as defined u/s 2(s) of the I. D. Act, 1947,
the Party-I has to prove that he was performing the
duties of manual, unskilled, skilled, technical,
operational, clerical or supervisory work. It is well
settled law that whether a person is a ‘workman’ or
not as defined u/s 2 (s) of the I. D. Act, 1947 has to be
decided on the basis of the predominant nature of
duties performed by concerned person at the
relevant time, it cannot lay down any straight jacket
formula.
19. In the case of Karnataka Bank Ltd. v/s. Sunita
B. Vatsaraj (SMT), reported in 2007 II CLR 650 the
Division Bench of the Hon’ble High Court of
Bombay held that “mere designation or nomenclature
of the post not determinative of the duties performed
by the Employer. The Hon’ble High Court further held
that the term supervision means direction and control.
The concerned employee must have a power to
supervise, direct and control the work of another
employee or employees working under him.”
20. In the case of Vinayak Baburao Shinde v/s.
S.R. Shinde and Ors., reported in 1985 I CLR 318,
the Division Bench of Hon’ble High Court of Bombay
observed as under:
7. The word “supervisor” means to oversee, that is
to look after the work done by other persons. The word
‘supervision’ occurring in Section 2 (s) of the Industrial
Disputes Act means supervision in relation to work or
in relation to persons. The essence of supervision
consists in overseeing by one person over the work of
others. This also involves a power in the person
overseeing to direct and control the work done by the
persons over whom he is supervising. In an industrial
establishment normally there are three layers of work.
One is the clerical or the manual work which is done
by the workmen, the second is the supervisory work
done by a supervisor, and at a higher level is the work
of a manager. The last mentioned officer is normally in
a position to give orders and to see that the work is
done. He has got powers to lay down the norms and to
direct that the work shall be done in accordance with
those norms. He has also, naturally, the power to take
disciplinary action and in case where applications for
leave are made it is within his power to sanction or
reject those applications.
9. A supervisor is distinguished from a manager
in as much as he has no powers to command others
to do a particular work. His function is to see that
the work is done in accordance with the norms laid
down by the management. If the work is done, he
has to assist the workmen to do it correctly in
accordance with the norms. If, however, a workman
does not to do the work correctly or properly, the
supervisor has no power to take any disciplinary
action. In the case of leave applications, a supervisor
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can only recommend them and not sanction or reject
them, the latter being within the jurisdiction of a
manager.”
21. In the case of John Joseph Khokar v/s R.S.
Bhadange & Ors, reported in 1997 II CLR 921,
the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay held as under:
“14. The position that emerges from the aforesaid
discussion is that in determining the question whether
a person employed by the employer is workman under
Section 2 (s) of the I.D. Act or not, the court has
principally to see main or substantial work for which
the employee has been employed and engaged to do.
Neither the designation of the employee is decisive
nor any incidental work that may be done or required
to be done by such employee shall get him outside the
purview of workman, if the principal job and the nature
of employment of such employee is manual, technical
or clerical. In hierarchy of employees, some sort of
supervision by the employee over the employees of the
lower ladder without any control may not be itself be
sufficient to bring that employee in the category of
supervisor, yet if the principal job of that employee is
to oversee the work of employees who are on the lower
cadre of the hierarchy and he has some sort of
independent discretion and judgment, obviously such
employee would fall within the category of supervisor.
Each case would depend on the nature of duties
predominantly or primarily performed by such
employee and whether such function was supervisory
or not would have to be decided on facts keeping in
mind correct principles where the employee possess
power of assigning duties and distribution of work
such authority of the employee may be indicative of
his being supervisor doing supervision. In a broad
sense supervisor is one who has authority of the
employee may be indicative of his being supervisor
doing supervision. In a broad sense supervisor is one
who has authority over others. Someone who
superintends and direct others. An employee who in
the interest of the employer has responsibility to direct
control the work done by the other workers and if the
work is not done correct to guide them to do it correctly
in accordance with norms shall certainly be a
supervisor. A supervisory work may be
contradistinguished from
managerial and
administrative work and, so also a supervisor from
manger and administrative work. Supervisor’s pre-
dominant function is to see that work is done by the
workers under him in accordance with the norms laid
down by the management, he has no power to take
any disciplinary action”.
22. In the case of Tanojkumar B. Chatterji v/s
solapur Municipal Corporation, Solapur, reported
in 2004 (2) L.L.N. 566, the Hon’ble High Court of
Bombay in para 5 of its judgment held as under:
“5. Now it is well-settled in this branch of law, as in
many others, that designations are not dispositive.
The court has to have due regard to the real nature of
duties and functions. In so far as a supervisor is
concerned, he or she is one who can bind the employer
by taking some kind of decision on his behalf. National
Engineering Industries Ltd. v/s Sri Kishan Bhageria
[1988 (1) L.L.N. 675]. A supervisor is one who has
authority over others to superintend and direct. A
supervisor may possess the authority to hire, transfer,
suspend, lay-off, recall, promote, discharge, assign,
reward or discipline other employees, or the
responsibility to direct them or to adjust their
grievances or effectively to recommend such action.
The work of a supervisor is distinguished from work
which is of a clerical nature by the exercise of
independent judgment. The decisions of the Supreme
Court as well as of this court have been considered in
a judgment of Shri Justice Rebello, speaking for this
court, in Union Carbide (India) Ltd. v/s. D. Samuel
and others [1999 (2) L.L.N. 165]. The Bombay Dyeing
and Manufacturing Company Ltd. v/s. R.A. Bidoo
and Others [1989 (2) L.L.N. 483] Division Bench of
this court held that “a supervisor is an overseer. A
person can be said to be a supervisor if there are persons
working under him over whose work he has to keep a
watch. A supervisor is empowered to take corrective
steps if a subordinate errs in work assigned to him.
23. In the case of Anand Regional Co-op. Oil Seeds
Growers Union Ltd. v/s. Shailesh Kumar
Harshadbhai Shah, reported in (2006) 6 SCC 548,
the Hon’ble Apex Court in para 15 explained the term
‘supervision’ as under:
“15. Supervision contemplates direction and
control. While determining the nature of the work
performed by an employee, the essence of the matter
should call for consideration. An undue importance
need not be given for the designation of an employee,
or the name assigned to, the class to which he belongs.
What is needed to be asked is as to what are the
primary duties he performs. For the said purpose, it is
necessary to prove that there were some persons
working under him whose work is required to be
supervised. Being in charge of the section alone and
that too it being a small one and relating to quality
control would not answer the test.”
24. The Party-I claimed that he was appointed by
the Employer as a EDP Technician. However on
perusal of the letter of intent dt. 4-6-2014 (Exb.
23-Cross) as well as letter of appointment dt.19-6-2014
(Exb.14) issued to the Party-I by the Employer clearly
indicates that the Party-I was designated as EDP
Manager. Neither the letter of intent at Exb. 23-Cross
nor the appointment letter at Exb.14 issued to the
Party-I, specify the predominant nature of duties and
responsibilities of the Party-I.
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25. The Party-I, in his pleading as well as oral
evidence on records, stated that though he was
designated as EDP Manager, he was not having any
powers of managerial or supervisory and he was
physically performing the work of EDP Technician.
He stated that his normal duties were of Technical
nature such as installation of Hardware and Software
and Troubleshooting of Hardware and Software,
sending mails and feeding the data, mounting of WI FI
access points on the pole by carrying ladder himself,
changing batteries of UPS periodically, servicing of
computers, printers etc. He stated that in accordance
with the terms of appointments, he was performing
the duties as per the orders and instructions from
the General Manager of the Employer. He stated that
he was carrying out the aforesaid work physically
and that he was not having any managerial or
supervisory powers. He stated that he was
performing the work of IT Technician and was feeding
the programme at EDP/IT Department. He finally
submitted that he was performing technical and
clerical nature of work. In cross examination, the
Party-I admits that his gross monthly salary was
Rs. 40,500/-. He admits that he knows financial
controller, sales manager, purchase and stores
manager, maintenance manager, executive house
keeper as all the aforesaid executives including
himself used to attend with General Manager of the
Employer daily on behalf of EDP Department. He
admits that he had signed in the HOD Column of the
leave card of Mr. Gouresh Borkar record at
exb. 26-cross. He admits that he used to take the
decision about the requirements of the EDP
Department on behalf of the Employer. He stated
that he used to address the things which has been
cleared and which have been pending in the EDP
Department in the said meeting. He admits that the
issues which were pending in the EDP Department
used to address by him. He admits that somewhere
in the month of October, 2015, he was supposed to
update the Software in the Employer Company and
that he had done the same job in time. He stated
that he had suggested for up gradation of Software
in the Employer Company.
26.
On the contrary, the Employer chose to
examine its Area General Manager, Mr. Shivam Verma
and produced on record copy of appointment letter
as well as leave card of the Workman maintained by
the Employer and copy of resolution along with oral
evidence. The oral evidence of Mr. Shivam Verma
indicates that the Party-I was initially issued a letter
of intent dt. 4-6-2014 and subsequently appointed as
EDP Manager on the salary of Rs. 40,500/- per month.
He stated that the Party-I was a Manager and Head
of EDP Department who had full control of EDP
Department and he used to direct and supervise the
work designated by him to his subordinates mainly
Mr. Gouresh Borkar and Mr. Soham Chari. He stated
that the Party-I had all the Managerial and
Supervisory powers of EDP Department and had even
powers to sanction leave to the staff working under
him in his Department. He stated that the Party-I
used to attend the meeting every day except
Saturdays and Sundays along with other managers
of respective department with the General Manager
of the Employer. He stated that all the decisions of
the EDP Department i.e. administrative, planning,
Supervision and exhibition of work of the said
department was taken by the Party-I as an EDP
Manager during the time of his tenure. He stated
that the Party-I, being EDP/IT Manager, his duties
were to manage, supervise and guide the staff
working under him. He stated that for installation of
hardware and software and troubleshooting of
hardware and software, it requires special
qualification, skill and expertise for which the Party-I
was appointed as EDP Manager so as to execute,
manager and supervise the EDP Department. In his
cross examination, the said witness stated that he
was in the employment of the employer since
26-7-2016 as a General Manager and that at the time
of appointment of the Party-I, he was not in the
employment of the Employer. He stated that the
Employer has not produced on record any document
to substantiate its statement that the Party-I was
having any managerial powers but the appointment
letter issued to the Party-I itself implies that the Party-I
was given the managerial powers. He admits that it
is written in the appointment letter of the Party-I that
for all his duties and responsibilities, he will report
to the General Manager and carry out his/her order/
/instructions from time to time without any lapse.
He admits that the primary duties of the Party-I was
of technical nature but the Party-I was given the
duties to assigned the job to the subordinates,
sanctioned leave and managing IDS package and
WIFI and that the duties of the Party-I was IT
(information and technology). He stated that he do
not know if in the event of any defects in the system
the Party-I used to physically repair the same. He
stated that he was not employed by the Employer at
the time when the Party-I used to attend the meeting
everyday as stated in para 5 of affidavit-in-evidence.
He admits that as per the appointment letter issued
to the Party-I, he has to follow and work as per the
instructions and orders of the General Manager of
the Employer. He stated that the appointment letter
issued to the Party-I itself shows the managerial
powers given to him. He further stated that there is
nothing in the letter of appointment to show that
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the managerial powers were given to the Party-I on
showing the appointment letter at exb. 14, and that
the designation of the Party-I has been stated in the
said letter of appointment issued to him. He admits
that the leave card has been signed by the HR-
manager of the Employer in the column signed by
HRD. He stated that the HR-manager used to sign on
the leave card after the EDP manager sanctioned and
signed the leave card. He admits that in terms of
Clause VII of the appointment letter at Exb.14, the
Party-I was required to perform all the duties, jobs
and responsibilities that are being entrusted to him
by the management from time to time to complete
satisfaction of the management. He admits that in
terms of Clause 8 of the said appointment letter, the
Party-I was required to work in any shift including
the night shift. He admits that the contents of his
affidavit in evidence filed in the present proceeding
are based on the records maintained by the Employer
and not his personal knowledge. This is contrary, to
the verification made by the said witness of the
written statement of record at Exb. 5 made by the
said witness stating that certain paragraph are to
his knowledge, information, document and belief.
He stated that he was not working at the relevant
time to prove any letter to show that the Party-I was
given any authority to represent the management.
He admits that one Mr. Gouresh Borkar was working
in EDP Department of the Employer and he was
performing the technical work. He stated that he do
not have any idea if the Party-I as well as the said
Mr. Gouresh Borkar were working in individual shift
i.e. first shift or second shift and not together. He
admits that when the Party I was employed in the
Employer hotel, he was not working in the same hotel.
27. Thus, from the aforesaid evidence on record, it
is crystal clear that though the Party-I was appointed
as EDP manager, he was not given his duties and
responsibilities in writing as an EDP Manager. The
management could not produce any document to
substantiate their statement that the party-I was
given managerial powers. The witness examined by
the Employer is hearsay as he was not in the
Employment at the relevant time. As per the
appointment letter issued to the Party-I does not
specify his duties and responsibilities. The oral
evidence of the sole witness of the management Shri
Shivam Verma, its Area Manager clearly admitted
that the contents of its affidavit in evidence filed in
the present proceedings are based on the records
maintained by the Employer and not his personal
knowledge. The said witness verified the written
statement of the Employer stating that the contents
of para (II) 1 to 18 (part) 19 (part), 20 to 24 are true to
my knowledge, information and document and belief,
which are contrary to each other. On the contrary,
the oral evidence adduced by the Party-I indicates
that he was performing the duties of technical nature
such as installation of hardware and software and
troubleshooting of hardware and software, sending
mails and feeding the data, mounting of WIFI excess
point on the pole, changing batteries of UPS
Periodically, servicing of computers, printers etc. and
that he was carrying out the aforesaid work
physically. The Party-I was the leave sanctioning
authority of Mr. Gouresh Borkar, EDP Assistant. Thus,
the predominant nature of work of the Party-I is
technical and clerical in nature and not managerial
and supervisory. Thus, the Party-I is a Workman
within the meaning of Section 2(s) of the I. D. Act,
1947. Hence it is held that the Party-I proved that he
is the “Workman” within the meaning of Section 2(s)
of the I. D. Act, 1947. The Issue No. 1 is therefore
answered in the affirmative. It is further held that
Employer failed to prove that the Party-I was
performing the duties of managerial and supervisory
in nature. The Issue No. 4 is therefore answered in
the negative.
28. In the case of Jagbir Singh Malik (Supra),
before the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in para 31 &
32 of its judgment held as under:
“31. the Labour Court has passed Award dt.
07-03-2019 has held that the Appellant/Claimant is
not a workman within a meaning of Section 2 (s) of
the I.D. Act, 1947. Being aggrieved by the award dt.
07-03-2019, the Appellant prefers a writ petition before
the High Court. Ld. Single Judge dismissed the said
writ petition vide its order dt. 11-01-2023. The
Appellant therefore filed letters Patent appeal before
the Hon’ble Apex Court. The Hon’ble Apex Court held
that the documents on record establish that the
Appellant was co-ordinating with various Government
authorities, he was co-ordinating with the officials in
the government for procurement of land, he was
playing active role in marketing, he was giving
recommendation for cost cutting, he was regularly
co-ordinating with lawyers engaged by the
respondent company, he was filing replies to notice
issued by the various authorities and describing
himself as Team Leader of the legal department, he
was in fact, performed all managerial activities and by
no stretch of imagination it can be said that he was
working as a Workman in the company as claimed by
him.
32. In the considered opinion of this court the
findings of fact arrived at by the Labour court holding
the Appellant not to be a Workman is based upon
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cogent material and the findings of the facts arrived
at by the labour court have been affirmed by the Ld.
Single Judge.”
The Principle laid down by the Hon’ble High Court
of Delhi is not applicable to the case in hand as the
facts of the case before the Hon’ble High Court of
Delhi are totally different that the case in hand.
29. In the case of Anitha Mathur (Supra), the
Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, in para 3 of its
judgement held as under:
“3. On the analysis of the evidence, the Labour court
concluded that the nature of work assigned to the
petitioner was not of a clerical nature. She was assigned
the work of preparing drafts of agreements, lease
deeds, affidavit and maintaining the records and
attending telephone calls of the customers. She was
assigned additional duties of disposing of the
grievances of the customers on behalf of the
management. In 2004, the petitioner had been
promoted as a senior manager on account of her good
performance and had also been provided a Honda City
Car in lieu of travel allowance. Although there was no
such document describing nature of her duties, given
the nature of the actual work performed by the
petitioner, it was concluded that she did not come
within the purview of Section 2(s) of the I.D. Act, 1947.”
The Principle laid down by the Hon’ble High Court
of Delhi is not applicable to the case in hand as the
facts of the case before the Hon’ble High Court of
Delhi are totally different that the case in hand.
30. In the case of V. K. Shrama (Supra) the Hon’ble
High Court of Delhi, in para 8 of its judgment held
as under:
“8. We have appreciated the aforesaid contention
in the light of the findings recorded in the award passed
by the Labour Court. There is not denial of the fact
that the appellant was initially appointed to the post
of Assistant Manager-cum-Store Keeper and
subsequently he was promoted to the post of Manager
with effect from 1st May, 1996. His services were also
terminated when he was working as a Manager. The
Labour Court has examined as to what was the nature
and duties of the Manager on the basis of the evidence
adduced. On appreciation, thereof it was held that
the appellant was in fact discharging the duties of a
Manager and was performing administrative work
and also was supervising the work of other staff
members in the canteen. The said conclusions and
findings are based on the evidence and material
referred to and relied upon by the learned Labour Court
Reference was made to the evidence on record which
has established that when the appellant handed over
the charge, he also handed over cash of Rs. 10,000/-
stock register, keys of the office and also of staff canteen
and stock. The said letter dated 16th February, 1999
records that the appellant has handed over charge as
he was proceeding on leave. The aforesaid evidence
which was adduced was not challenged as is
established from a bare reading of the award passed
by the learned Labour Court. Labour Court in order
to arrive at its findings has examined material and
evidence adduced by the parties. It has recorded that
the appellant did not specifically cross examine
witnesses of the management on the factum of duties
of the appellant. We cannot as an appellate court,
re-examine the said factual findings. It cannot be said
that the award is based on no material or ignores
relevant material. Therefore, the learned Single Judge
was justified in coming to the conclusion that
interfering with the aforesaid findings would amount
to interfering with findings of fact, which the Writ
Court could not have done.”
The Principle laid down by the Hon’ble High Court
of Delhi is not applicable to the case in hand as the
facts of the case before the Hon’ble High Court of
Delhi are totally different that the case in hand.
31. In the case of twenty first century printers
Ltd. Mumbai(Supra), the Hon’ble High Court of
Bombay in para 6 of its judgment held as under:
“6. “The function of purchasing i.e., acquiring from
the market, materials and machinery, sometimes of
considerable value, necessary for carrying out
manufacture is clearly not operational, clerical or
supervisory. The work involves having knowledge of
machinery or material which are required to be
purchased and the market. This knowledge is
specialized and necessary to enable the employee to
carry out purchases which may be of considerable
value. It is not necessary that the knowledge must
have been acquired by training. But may also come
by experience of that particular work. In Bombay
dyeing and Manufacturing Co. Ltd v/s R.A.- Bidoo
(1989 IICLLR 248) a Division Bench of this court while
expounding on the words “technical” & “technical
work” observed as follows……..
“Technical work requires a training or knowledge
or expertise of a particular art or science to which that
work pertains. It is not difficult to infer from this that
a person engaged in a technical capacity must have
some knowledge imparted to him or must have
acquired some knowledge either by training or by
experience to do that particular work. A person who
has not been so trained or who has not so acquired
the knowledge naturally cannot perform, at least
satisfactorily, the work to which he has been assigned.
The word technical embraces within itself not only
the expertise or competence of a person, but also
knowledge and experience relating to the particular
work which may be said to be technical work.”
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The Principle laid down by the Hon’ble High Court
of Bombay is not applicable to the case in hand as
the facts of the case before the Hon’ble High Court of
Bombay are totally different that the case in hand.
32. In the case of Nagesh Priolkar, Ponda, Goa
(Supra), before the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay,
the petitioner was appointed as a Trainee
Jr. Production Assistant with the Respondent No.1
and subsequently promoted as ‘Supervisor’ w.e.f.
01-06-1991. His services were terminated w.e.f.
08-07-1992. The petitioner raised the dispute before
the Industrial Tribunal-cum-Labour Court, Panaji,
Goa. The Tribunal held that on appreciation of
evidence on record came to the conclusion that the
Petitioner was not a Workman as he was working as
supervisor and drawing wages in excess of Rs. 1600/-
per month and this excluded by Clause VI of Section 2(s)
of the I.D. Act. The petitioner challenged the award dt.
3-8-2007 passed by the Industrial Tribunal-Labour
Court, Panaji in writ petition before the Hon’ble High
Court, Bombay. The Hon’ble High Court of Bombay
dismissed the petition.
The facts of the aforesaid case before the Hon’ble
High Court of Bombay, is totally different than the
case in hand. Hence, the principles laid down by the
Hon’ble High Court.
33. M/s Taj Sats Air Catering, Goa unit (Supra),
before the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay, by order
dt.15-11-2016, the Petitioner terminated the services
of the Respondent. The Respondent challenges the
termination of services before the Tribunal. By
impugned order dt. 25-10-2018, the Tribunal held that
the Respondent No. 1 was indeed a “workman” u/s
2 (s) of the I.D. Act, 1947, and the charges of
misconduct levelled against him were not proved to
the satisfaction of the Tribunal. The Petitioner has
challenged the aforesaid order by contending that
the Respondent No. 1 is not a “workman” and that
therefore the Tribunal could not have entertained
the complaint filed by Respondent. The Hon’ble High
Court observed that the dominant nature of the
duties being performed by the Respondent No. 1 was
supervisory and managerial rather than merely
performing manual work. As against this the
Respondent No. 1 failed to produce positive evidence
in support of his contention that he was doing manual
work of repair as claimed in his complaint, therefore
it found that the Tribunal erred in holding that the
Respondent No. 1 was covered under the definition
of workman as per Section 2(s) of the I.D. Act.
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble High Court
of Bombay in its aforesaid case is not applicable to
the case in hand as facts of the case in hand are totally
different than the case before the Hon’ble High Court
of Bombay.
34. In the case of Management of Athoor
Tudhupettai Primary Agriculture Co-op. Bank Ltd.
represented by its special officer (supra) before
Hon’ble High Court of Madras.
The first Respondent was appointed as Peon in
the Bank on 01-01-1964. On 19-7-1993, he became the
Secretary of the Society. His services were
terminated on account of commission of several
irregularities in the payment of gratuity of loan to
the members of the bank. His services were
terminated on 3-12-1999, on account of the gravity
of charges and in view of the facts that a criminal
case was registered against him. The first
Respondent had raised a dispute u/s 2 A (2) of the I.D.
Act, the Labour Court Salem had rejected the
preliminary objection i.e. The first Respondent was
not a “workman” within the meaning of Section 2(s)
of the I.D. Act ,1947, and hence the industrial dispute
was not maintainable. In writ petition, the Hon’ble
High Court held that the labour court had failed to
note that if a person is employed mainly on
supervisory capacity and drawing salary beyond Rs.
1600/- (at the relevant time) he cannot be a
“workman” within the meaning of Section 2(s) of the
I.D. Act, 1947. The Hon’ble High Court allowed the
writ petition and the impugned award stands set-aside.
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble High Court
of Madras in its aforesaid case is not applicable to
the case in hand as facts of the case in hand are totally
different than the case before the Hon’ble high Court
of Madras.
Issue No. 2:
The Party-I challenged his order of termination by
alleging that the action of the management of the
Employer is illegal and unjustified as the Employer
has violated Sections 25F, 25G and 25H of the I.D.
Act, 1947. The burden was cast on the Party-I.
35. While deciding the issue No. 1 is hereinabove,
I have discussed and come to the conclusion that
the Party-I proves that he is a “workman” within the
meaning of 2(s) of the I.D. Act, 1947. The oral evidence
of records indicates that neither the Workman was
issued any show cause notice nor any charge-sheet
nor conducted any inquiry pertaining to alleged act
of abandonment. The oral evidence of record
indicates that the services of the Workman have been
refused on the alleged account of his absenteeism.
The said refusal of services of the Workman amounts
to retrenchment of his services. Section 25F of the
I.D. Act, 1947 provides for the conditions precedent
to retrenchment to the Workman and its read as
under:
Section 25-F: Conditions precedent to
retrenchment of workmen.– No Workman employed
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in any industry who has been in continuous service
for not less than one year under an Employer shall be
retrenched by the Employer until—
(a) the Workman has been given one month’s
notice in writing indicating the reasons for
retrenchment and the period of notice has
expired, or the workman has been paid in lieu
of such notice, wages for the period of the
notice;
(b) the Workman has been paid, at the time of
retrenchment, compensation which shall be
equivalent to fifteen days average pay (for every
completed year of continuous service) or any
part thereof in excess of six months; and
(c) notice in the prescribed manner is served on
the appropriate Government (or such authority
as may be specified by the appropriate
Government by notification in the Official
Gazette).
Thus, bare perusal of Section 25F of the I. D. Act,
1947, it appears that for a valid retrenchment under
the I.D. Act, 1947, the Employer has to give him one
month notice to the Workman or one month pay in
lieu of notice, payment of retrenchment of
compensation and notice in the prescribed manner
on the appropriate Government.
36. In the Case of G. T. Lad and ors. (Supra), the
Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in para 5 and 6
held as under:
“5a. Re Question No. 1: In the Act, we do not find
any definition of the expression ‘abandonment of
service’. In the absence of any clue as to the meaning
of the said expression, we have to depend on meaning
assigned to it in the dictionary of English language.
In the unabridged edition of the Random House
Dictionary, the word ‘abandon’ has been explained as
meaning ‘to leave completely and finally; forsake
utterly; to relinquish, renounce; to give up all concern
in something’. According to the Dictionary of English
Law by Earl Jowitt (1959 edition) ‘abandonment’
means ‘relinquishment’ when used in relation to an
office means ‘voluntary relinquishment’. It must be
total and under such circumstances as clearly to
indicate an absolute relinquishment. The failure to
perform the duties pertaining to the office must be
with actual or imputed intention, on the part of the
office to abandon and relinquish the office. The
intention may be inferred from the acts and conduct
of the party, and is a question of fact. Temporary
absence is not ordinarily sufficient to constitute an
‘abandonment of office’.
6. From the connotations reproduced above it
clearly follows that to constitute abandonment, there
must be total or complete giving up of duties so as to
indicate an intention not to resume the same. In
Buckingham & Carnatic Co. v. Venkatiah, it was
observed by this Court that under common law an
inference that an employee has abandoned or
relinquished service is not easily drawn unless from
the length of absence and from other surrounding
circumstances an inference to that effect can be
legitimately drawn and it can be assumed that the
employee intended to abandon service. Abandonment
or relinquishment of service is always a question of
intention, and normally, such an intention cannot be
attributed to a employee without adequate evidence
in that behalf. Thus, whether there has been a
voluntary abandonment of service or not is a question
of fact which has to be determined in the light of the
surrounding circumstances of each case.”
37. In the case of Gangaram K. Medekar (Supra)
the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay in para 4 of its
judgment held as under:
“4…………… In the cases of voluntary
abandonment of service, it is a matter of intention. It
depends on facts of each case. It is a matter of inference
being drawn on given set of facts. The employer
unilaterally cannot say that the workman is not
interested in employment. It is for this reason that a
domestic enquiry is required to be held. Even before
the Labour Court, the employer is required to prove
clearly be evidence that the workman had voluntarily
abandoned his service. If the Labour Court finds that
there is no evidence led by the employer and if the
Labour Court finds that it is word against word, then
the benefit goes to the workman and not the employer.
The primary onus to lead evidence to prove voluntary
abandonment of service is on the employer.”
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble High Court
of Bombay in its aforesaid case is well established
and also applicable to the case in hand.
38. In the case in hand, neither the Workman was
issued one month notice nor paid one month pay in
lieu of notice nor paid a retrenchment compensation
and as such the termination of services of the
Workman is illegal and unjustified. The Workman, in
his claim statement filed in the present proceedings
as well as in his oral evidence stated that a new
Workman was appointed on his place of work and as
such a management was violated Section 25-G and
25-H of the I.D. Act, 1947. However, there is nothing
on record that the Employer has appointed new
person all the place of the Workman and as such the
Workman failed to prove that the Employer has
violated Section 25-H and 25-G of the I. D. Act, 1947.
39. The Employer in its written statement as well
as in the oral evidence stated that the Party-I
remained absent unauthorisely from 1-11-2015
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25
onwards and as abandoned their services during the
crucial time. The sole witness of the Employer Mr.
Shivam Verma in his cross examination admitted that
neither show cause notice nor any charge-sheet was
issued to the Workman pertaining to the alleged act
of abandonment. There is nothing on record to show
that the Employer has conducted domestic inquiry
pertaining to the alleged act of abandonment of the
Workman. Thus, the Employer failed to prove that
the Party-I has abandoned the services without any
notice. Hence, it is held that the Employer failed to
prove that the Party-I abandoned his service without
any notice. The Issue No. 5 is therefore answered in
the negative.
40. In the case of Subhash Kumar (Supra), the
Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in para 6 & 7 held as
under:
“6. The facts would that on various occasions, the
management had given repeated opportunities to the
workman to join work but he consistently played
truant. Even after joining his duties on 3-7-2008, he
left the place of work at 1.30 p.m. His voluntary
choosing to refrain from work cannot be a cause for
any liability or wrong on the part of management. In
the circumstances, the Court finds no reason to
interfere with the impugned order which found that
the Workman had absented himself from his duties
willfully and unauthorizedly, without his services
being terminated by the management. The workman
had himself not reported for work. No fault of the
management is made out. Therefore, he would not be
entitled to any benefits.
7. In view of the above, the petition being without
merit, is dismissed along with the pending
application.”
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble High Court
of Delhi in its aforesaid case is not applicable to the
case in hand as facts of the case in hand are totally
different than the case before the Hon’ble High Court
of Delhi.
Issue No. 3:
41. The Employer, as and by way of its preliminary
objections, submitted that the Party-I is not a
Workman as defined u/s 2(s) of the I.D. Act, 1947, that
the present case does not fall under I. D. Act and
hence this court has no jurisdiction to entertain and
try the same, that the nature of relief sought by the
Party-I is founded on a cause of action purportedly
arising from and act committed only by the Party-I
himself. Hence, the Statement of Claim is liable to be
dismissed in limine that the statement of claim is
bound to be defeated for non-joinder of necessary
parties and that from the averment made in the
Statement of Claim, the Party-I has not furnished lists
of documents, and also not furnished list of witnesses
as mandated under the Industrial Disputes rules,
therefore the statement of claim ought to be
dismissed at the threshold. The burden was cast on
the Employer to prove the same.
42. While deciding the issue No. 1 hereinabove, I
have discussed and come to the conclusion that the
Party-I is a “Workman” within the meaning of Section
2(s) of the I.D. Act, 1947. The Employer did not dispute
that it is not an “industry” as defined u/s 2(J) of the
I.D. Act, 1947. Thus, the present dispute between
the Workman and the Employer pertaining to the non
-employment of the Workman is an Industrial dispute
within the meaning of Section 2(K) of the I.D. Act,
1947. As regards, the submissions of the Employer
that the nature of relief sought by the Party-I is
founded on a cause of action purportedly arising
from and act committed only by the party-I himself.
Hence, the statement of claim is liable to be
dismissed in limine that the statement of claim is
bound to be defeated for non-joinder of necessary
parties, the Employer has not adduced any oral
evidence to that effect.
In view of above it is held that the Employer failed
to prove that the present order of reference is bad in
law in view of the reasons stated in para I (II) (III) (IV)
and V by way of preliminary objections. The issue
No. 3 is therefore answered in negative.
Issue No. 6:
43. In the case of Deepali Gudu Surwase (Supra)
the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, held as under:
38.1. In case of wrongful termination of service,
reinstatement with continuity of service and back
wages is the normal rule.
38.2. The aforesaid rule is subject to the rider that
while deciding the issue of back wages, the
adjudicating authority or the court may take into
consideration the length of service of the employee/
workman, the nature of misconduct, if any, found
proved against the employee/workman, the financial
condition of the employer and similar other factors.
38.3. Ordinarily, an employer or workman whose
services are terminated and who is desirous of getting
back wages is required to either plead or at least make
a statement before the adjudicating authority or the
court of first instance that he/she was not gainfully
employed or was employed on lesser wages. If the
employer wants to avoid payment of full back wages,
then it has
a. to plead and also lead cogent evidence to prove
that the employee/workman was gainfully employed
and was getting wages equal to the wages he/she
was drawing prior to the termination of service. This
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is so because it is settled law that the burden of proof
of the existence of a particular fact lies on the person
who makes a positive averment about its existence. It
is always easier to prove a positive fact than to prove
a negative fact. Therefore, once
b. the employee shows that he was not employed,
the onus lies on the employer to specifically plead and
prove that the employee was gainfully employed and
was getting the same or substantially similar
emoluments.
38.4. The cases in which the Labour Court/
/Industrial Tribunal exercises power under Section 11-A
of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and finds that
c. with the rules of natural justice and/or certified
standing orders, if any, but holds that the punishment
was disproportionate to the misconduct found provided,
then it will have the discretion not to award full back
wages. However, if the Labour Court/Industrial
Tribunal finds that the employee or workman is not at
all guilty of any misconduct or that the employer had
foisted a false charge, then there will be ample
justification for award of full back wages.
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble Apex
Court is well established and also applicable to the
case in hand.
44. While deciding the issue No. I hereinabove, I
have discussed and come to the conclusion that the
Party-I is a “Workman” within the meaning of Section 2(s)
of the I.D. Act, 1947. The Workman, in his statement
of claim as well as in his oral evidence on records,
stated that after his dismissal he is unemployed and
could not succeed in getting alternate employment.
The oral evidence on records indicates that the
Workman has made an application for alternate job
in the company such as Equip Pharmaceuticals,
Sterling Resorts and Monginis Bakery, Verna after
termination of his services and also attended the
interview in the Monginis Bakery, Verna. The
Workman is therefore entitled for reinstatement in
service along with full back wages and
consequential benefits thereof. The Issue No. 6 is
therefore answered accordingly.
In view of above, I proceed the following order.
O R D E R
1. It is held that the Party-I Mr. Chandan Phadte,
Manager EDP is a Workman, within the
meaning of Section 2(s) of the I. D. Act, 1947.
2. It is further held that the action of the
management of M/s. Royal Orchid Beach Resort
and Spa, Utorda Beach, Salcete, South Goa, in
refusing employment to Mr. Chandan Phadte,
Manager EDP, with effect from 03-11-2015, is
illegal and unjustified.
3. It is held that M/s. Royal Orchid Beach Resort
and Spa, Utorda Beach, Salcete, South Goa is
hereby directed to reinstate the Workman Shri
Chandan Phadte with full back wages and
consequential benefits thereof.
Inform the Government accordingly.
Sd/-
(Suresh N. Narulkar)
Presiding Officer,
Labour Court.
————
Notification
No. 28/02/2024-LAB/Part-I/116
The following Award passed by the Labour
Court-II, at Panaji-Goa on 10-01-2024 in Case No. LC-
-II/IT/13/2013 is hereby published as required under
Section 17 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
(Central Act 14 of 1947).
By order and in the name of the Governor of
Goa.
Asha Harmalkar, Under Secretary (Labour).
Porvorim, 16th February, 2024.
––––
IN THE LABOUR COURT-II
GOVERNMENT OF GOA
AT PANAJI
(Before Shri Suresh N. Narulkar, Hon’ble
Presiding Officer)
Case No. LC-II/IT/13/2013
Ms. Dattakumar V. Shet,
Rep. by the President,
Goa Trade and Commercial Workers Union,
Panaji-Goa.
…… Workman/Party I
V/s
M/s. Funskool (India) Pvt. Ltd.,
Corlim, Tiswadi-Goa.
…… Employer/Party II
Workman/Party I represented by Ld. Advocate Shri
Suhas Naik.
Employer/Party II represented by Ld. Advocate Shri
G. K. Sardessai.
Panaji, Dated: 10-01-2024
AWARD
1. In exercise of the powers conferred by Section
10 (1) (d) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (Central
Act 14 of 1947), the Government of Goa, by Order
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27
dated 12-04-2013, bearing No. 28/10/2013-
-Lab/162, referred the following dispute for its
adjudication to the Industrial Tribunal of Goa. The
Presiding Officer, Industrial Tribunal cum Labour
Court in turn assigned the present dispute to this
Labour Court-II of Goa at Panaji, Goa vide her order
dated 17-04-2013.
“(1) Whether the action of the Management of
M/s. Funskool (India) Private Limited, Corlim,
Goa, in dismissing the services of Shri
Dattakumar V. Shet, Junior Technician-cum-
-Operator-cum-Assembler, with effect from
15-01-2011, is legal and justified?
(2) If not, to what relief, the workman is entitled?”
2. On receipt of the reference, a case was
registered under No. LC-II-IT/13/2013 and registered
A/D notice was issued to the Parties. In pursuance
to the said notice, the Parties put in their
appearance. The Workman/Part-I (for short
‘Workman’), filed his Statement of Claim on
01-07-2013 at Exb. 4. The facts of the case in brief
as pleaded by the Workman are that he was
employed with the Employer/Party-II (for short
‘Employer’) as Junior Technician-cum-Operator-
-cum-Assembler. The Workman stated that he was
an unionized member and was the President of the
local union committee and as such was a protected
Workman under the provisions of the I.D. Act, 1947.
He stated that being office bearer of the local
committee member, he was always espousing the
cause of the workmen at the shop-floor and for
taking up the grievances of the workmen for its
redressal before the management of the Employer.
He stated that on many occasions, the management
of the Employer had warned him to remain away
from legitimate trade union activities and was
instructed not to take up or espouse the cause of
his fellow workmen to the management of the
Employer. He stated that since he did not concede
to the instructions of the Employer, he has been
targeted and victimized in the present case on false
and bogus charges.
3. He stated that the Employer factory is engaged
in the business of manufacturing toys’ play-games
in a joint collaboration with HASBRO INC USA
which are widely used in Indian and foreign
markets. He stated that the product manufactured
by the company has exclusive monopolistic demand
in market that is spread all over the country as well
as foreign markets. He stated that the Employer is
employing more than 300 workmen at its factory. He
stated that around 120 workmen are on the
permanent roll of the Employer for last more than 15
to 20 years of continuous service. He stated that
though these workmen are working in this factory
for last many years, since its inception, they are
paid very low and pathetic salary and as such he
was constantly requesting the Employer to improve
the wages of member workmen and to provide them
with better service conditions at their workplace.
He stated that however, the Employer always
neglected the genuine demands of the workmen.
He stated that due to the aforesaid reasons, he
himself and his other colleague workmen joined the
membership of Goa Trade and Commercial Workers
union (AITUC) after resigning from the erst-while
union vide a resolution to that effect. He stated that
since thereafter AITUC is espousing his cause and
his other colleague workmen, who had joined the
said union.
4. He stated that he was issued a charge-sheet
dated 26-02-2010 alleging certain acts of
misconducts. He stated that he filed his reply to the
said charge-sheet denying each and every
allegation. He stated that the management went
ahead to conduct an enquiry against him. He stated
that Adv. P. Chawdikar was appointed as an Enquiry
Officer to investigate into the acts of misconduct
against him. He stated that in the enquiry, he was
represented by the office bearer of the union and
the management was represented by Shri. S.V. Joshi.
He stated that after completing the enquiry, the Ld.
Enquiry Officer submitted his findings to the
management. He stated that thereafter the
management dismissed him from service w.e.f.
15-01-2011.
5. Being aggrieved by the action of the Employer,
the Workman challenged the same by raising an
industrial dispute, which ended in failure. The
Workman contended that the enquiry has been
conducted by the Ld. Enquiry Officer in gross
violation of the principles of natural justice. He
submitted that no proper opportunity of defending
was offered to him in enquiry which caused him
great injustice, loss and prejudice to his defense. He
submitted that Ld. Enquiry Officer arbitrarily and
mechanically overruled the written objections,
defense evidence and contradictions brought by
him on record. He submitted that Ld. Enquiry Officer
has totally acted in a biased and prejudicial manner
to favour the management. He submitted that the
findings given by the Ld. Enquiry Officer are non-
reasoned and are given in a mechanical manner
without proper reasoning in favour of the
management. He submitted that no charge of
whatsoever nature levelled against him in the
charge-sheet dated 26-02-2010 have been proved
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beyond reasonable doubt. He submitted that the
findings given by Ld. Enquiry Officer are perverse
and liable to be quashed and set aside. He
submitted that there was no reason for Ld. Enquiry
Officer for not considering the defense evidence led
by him in his defense. He submitted that no
reasoning of whatsoever nature has been given by
Ld. Enquiry Officer for not believing the defense
evidence nor discussed the defense evidence in the
findings. He submitted that the findings are
stretched totally in favour of the management. He
submitted that he disputes and challenges the
entire enquiry proceedings conducted by the Ld.
Enquiry Officer in the charge-sheet dated
26-02-2010 as well as the findings of the Enquiry
Officer. He submitted that Ld. Enquiry Officer has
committed gross error of non-application of mind
and an error of favouring the management by
stretching the evidence in favour of the
management. He submitted that Ld. Enquiry Officer
has failed to discuss and analyze the evidence and
material of the defense and merely stated that the
misconducts levelled against him stands proved.
He submitted that the witnesses examined by the
management are managerial and supervisory staff
and as such the same cannot be believed. He
submitted that his dismissal from service smacks of
malafide intended to take revenge on him for his
legitimate trade union activities and terrorize the
remaining unionized workmen as he is the President
of Funskool Workers Managing Committee. He
submitted that nevertheless, the punishment of
dismissal is too harsh and grossly disproportionate
considering the nature of allegations. He submitted
that his dismissal from service is patently illegal,
unjust and bad-in-law. He submitted that the
amount mentioned in the letter of dismissal dated
15-01-2011 has not been accepted by him. He
submitted that he is presently unemployed and do
not have any source of income to maintain himself
and his family. He submitted that he has tried his
level best to get employment elsewhere in many
factories and establishments, however, failed to
secure gainful employment. The Workman therefore
prayed that the enquiry held against him vide
charge-sheet dated 26-02-2010 be held as improper,
unfair and the same be quashed and set aside. The
Workman prayed that the findings of the Enquiry
Officer be held as mechanical, non-reasoned and
perverse and be quashed and set aside. The
Workman also prayed that the action of the
Employer in dismissing his services w.e.f. 15-01-2011
be held as illegal, unjustified and bad-in-law and he
be reinstated back in service with full back wages,
continuity in service alongwith all other
consequential benefits.
6. The Employer resisted the claim of the
Workman by filing its written statement on
16-08-2013 at Exb. 5. The Employer, as and by way
of its preliminary objections, submitted that the
claim is not an industrial dispute and that the Goa
Trade and Commercial Workers Union has no
authority to represent the Workman.
7. The Employer stated that it is a company
incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 and it
is in the business of manufacturing toys and other
allied products, having its factory at Corlim,
Tiswadi, Goa. The Employer stated that the
Workman was employed by them as Junior
Technician-cum-Operator-cum-Assembler at its
factory in Corlim. The Employer stated that the
management has issued show-cause notice dated
08-02-2010 and 15-02-2010 to the Workman involved
in various acts of misconducts. The Employer stated
that it was alleged that the Workman has
deliberately refused to start the machine and
stopped the work and incited other permanent
workers to stop the work and also threatened
temporary workers and asked them to stop the work,
despite of repeated advice from his supervisor, he
did not adhere to the supervisor’s instructions and
on 09-02-2010, the Workman stopped the work from
4. 30 to 6. 30 p.m., disobeyed the instructions from
his supervisors to start the machines, incited others
to stop the work, prevented the machines being
operated and formed a group and gheraoed the
molding shop in-charge for two hours and shouted
at him. The Employer stated that the Workman filed
his reply dated 10-02-2010 and 18-02-2010. The
Employer stated that they did not find his
explanation satisfactory. The Employer stated that
the management thereafter issued a charge-sheet
cum notice of enquiry dated 26-02-2010 to the
Workman by which the Workman was charged for
the following acts of misconducts under its Certified
Standing Orders: Willful insubordination or
disobedience, whether alone or in combination with
another or other, of any lawful and reasonable order
of a superior, riotous, indecent or disorderly
behaving during working hours in the factory
premises or any act subversive of discipline or
efficiency, malingering or slowing down of work
alone or in combination with other workmen and
includes any stoppage of work in violation of
company’s rules and regulations, striking work
either singly or with other workmen in contravention
of this standing orders, any statute, law, rules or
enactment for the time being in force or that may
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be framed from time to time or inciting any Workman
to strike work, use of impolite or insulting or abusive
language rude or unruly behaviour, assault or threat
of assault, either provoked or otherwise,
intimidation coercion within the precincts of the
company against any superior, workmen, visitors,
clients or any other person authorized to work in
the company and any such acts outside the
premises of the company which directly affects the
discipline, work or business of the company,
restraining or detaining or gheraoing any superior
or Workman of the company either inside or outside
the premises of the company, interference with work
of any other Workman or supervisor in a manner
inimical or detrimental to the interest of the
company, instigation, incitement, abatement or
furtherance of any of the above acts or omissions.
8. The Employer stated that the management
conducted an enquiry into the charge-sheet dated
26-02-2010. The Employer stated that the enquiry was
conducted by Ld. Adv. Shri Prasanna Chawdikar.
The Employer stated that during the enquiry the
management was represented by Mr. S.V. Joshi,
Manager of the Company, Mr. Dattakumar Shet was
represented by Mr. Nilkant Phadte, General
Secretary of his Union (CITU) as his Defense
Representative. The Employer stated that the
enquiry against Mr. Dattakumar Shet commenced
on 01-03-2010 and was concluded on 28-12-2010.
The Employer stated that the management
examined Mr. Peter Gonsalves, Mr. Prasad Joshi and
Mr. Sadanand Nayak as their witnesses and all the
witnesses were duly cross examined by the Defense
Representative.
9. The Employer stated that Ld. Enquiry Officer
has followed the well-established principle and has
tested the evidence of both the parties and has
concluded that the management has proved the
charges. The Employer stated that the findings
given by the Ld. Enquiry Officer are based on the
evidence on record of the enquiry. The Employer
stated that the enquiry has been conducted by the
Ld. Enquiry Officer in accordance with the
principles of natural justice. The Employer stated
that proper opportunity of defending was offered to
the Workman in enquiry. The Employer stated that
the Ld. Enquiry Officer considered objections if any,
raised by the Workman or his representative during
the said enquiry. The Employer stated that the Ld.
Enquiry Officer acted in an impartial manner. The
Employer submitted that the findings given by the
Ld. Enquiry Officer are reasoned findings and are
based on evidence on record. The Employer
submitted that the quantum of punishment by way
of dismissal is proportionate to the gravity of
misconducts and no interference is called for.
10. The Employer stated that the Workman was
the President of local union committee of All Goa
General Employees Union (CITU) at the time when
he was representing its workmen. The Employer
stated that the Workman continued to be a member
of the said union at the time of dismissal and was
at no stage a member of Goa Trade and Commercial
Workers Union. The Employer stated that it
negotiated and arrived at settlements dated
28-01-2000, 02-06-2003, 08-05-2006 and 05-05-2009
with the CITU and therefore, there was no cause for
the management to indulge in any victimization of
the office bearer of the said union. The Employer
stated that there was no nexus between its action
to dismiss the Workman and his association with
the union.
11. The Employer stated that it has a proper
dispute resolution mechanism in place. The
Employer stated that it has always been sensitive
to the needs of his employees and has full-fledged
personnel dept. headed by the Personnel Manager
for addressing the grievances of the employees. The
Employer stated that as a matter of its policy allows
any aggrieved employees to approach, the
departmental head with his problems. The Employer
stated that in case such aggrieved employee is not
satisfied by the response received by the
departmental Head, such employee can approach
its General Manager, who heads the organization in
Goa. The Employer submitted that it provides for
adequate mechanism to ensure the interest of its
employees is protected. The Employer, therefore,
prayed that in the event enquiry is set aside on any
grounds, they may be permitted to lead fresh
evidence in support of its charges. The Employer,
therefore, prayed that the reference does not survive
and hence, be rejected.
12. Thereafter, the Workman filed his rejoinder on
17-10-2013 at Exb. 07. The Workman, by way of his
re-joinder, confirms and reiterates all his
submissions, averments and statements made in his
Claim Statement to be true and correct and denies
all the statements, averments and submissions made
by the Employer in its Written Statement, which are
contrary to its Statement and averments made in
his Claim Statement. He stated that the Employer
has no Certified Standing Orders and no Certified
Standing Orders were produced at the time of
holding the enquiry or even at the time of issuing
the punishment of dismissal to him.
13. Based on the pleadings filed by the respective
parties, this court framed the following issues on
06-11-2013 at Exb.8.
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1. Whether a free, fair and impartial enquiry has
been conducted against the Workman in
accordance with the principles of natural
justice?
2. Whether the charges of misconduct levelled
against the Workman vide charge sheet dated
26-02-2010 have been proved to the
satisfaction of this court by an acceptable
evidence?
3. Whether the Workman proves that the action
of the management of the Employer in
dismissing him from the services w.e.f.
15-01-2011 is illegal and unjustified?
4. Whether the Workman proves that he has been
victimized on false and bogus charges?
5. Whether the Employer/Party II proves that the
reference is not maintainable in view of
reasons stated in para (a) and (b) of the written
statement?
6. Whether the Workman is entitled for any relief?
7. What order? What Award?
14. My answers to the aforesaid issues are as
under:
(a) Issue No. 1
:
In the affirmative.
(b) Issue No. 2
:
In the affirmative.
(c) Issue No. 3
:
In the affirmative
(d) Issue No. 4
:
In the negative.
(e) Issue No. 5
:
In the negative.
(f) Issue No. 6 & 7
:
As per final argument.
REASONS:
I have heard the oral arguments of Ld. Adv. Shri.
Suhas Naik, appearing for the Workman as well as
Ld. Adv. Shri G. K. Sardessai appearing for the
Employer.
15. Ld. Adv. Shri Suhas Naik appearing for the
Workman submitted that vide order dt.
11-07-2019 passed in the findings on the preliminary
issue No. 1 & 2, this Hon’ble Court held that a free
fair and proper inquiry has been conducted against
the Workman in respect of charge-sheet dt.
26-02-2010 and that all the charges of misconducts
levelled against the Workman vide charge sheet dt.
26-02-2010 have been proved to the satisfaction of
this court by acceptable evidence. He submitted
that vide his reply dt. 10-02-2010 to the show cause
notice 08-02-2010, the Workman replied that he has
not refused to do any work nor stopped any work
nor refused to start any machine nor insisted to
refuse to do the work or threatened any worker and
that they were asking for boiled drinking water for
last five days and they were assured that the
problem of boiled drinking water would be solved.
He submitted that the management witness
Mr. Peter Gonsalves (MW1) in his deposition as well
as in the show cause notice named the twelve
workers including the Workman, however the
management has dismissed the services of the
Workman only by holding an inquiry. He submitted
that all the said twelve workers are permanent
workers. He submitted that he was the President
of the Union joined in the Employer Company in the
year 1980. He submitted that the Workman, being
the President of the union used to assist a
management. He submitted that except the
Workman, in the present reference, no action has
been taken against the said eleven workers. He
submitted that the Employer has failed to produce
on record a Certified Standing Order before the Ld.
Inquiry Officer nor produced before this Hon’ble
Court and hence in the absence of the Certified
Standing Order of the Employer, this Hon’ble Court
has to go Model Standing Order. He submitted that
the past record of the Workman was clean and
unblemished. He submitted that taking into
consideration the past record of the Workman as
well as the existence of the mitigating
circumstances, the punishment of dismissal
awarded to the Workman is too severe and highly
disproportionate. He submitted that this Hon’ble
Court has empowered u/s 11-A of the I. D. Act to
interfere with the quantums of punishment and to
set aside the order of dismissal and direct
reinstatement of the Workman including the award
of any lesser punishment in view of dismissal. He
submitted that in support of his oral contention Ld.
Adv. Suhas Naik relied upon to the following
judgment.
16. Per contra, Ld. Adv. Shri G. K. Sardessai
representing the Employer, during the course of his
arguments, submitted that the Workman was
employed as Jr. Technician cum operator cum
Assembler at its factory. He submitted that vide
Order dt. 11-07-2019 passed in the findings on the
preliminary issue No. 1 and No. 2, this Hon’ble Court
held that a fair and proper inquiry has been
conducted against the Workman in respect of
charge-sheet dt. 26-02-2010 and that all the charges
of misconducts levelled against the Workman vide
charge sheet dt. 26-02-2010 have been proved to
the satisfaction of this court by acceptable
evidence. He submitted that the allegations of the
Workman that he has been victimized on false and
bogus charges is vague. He submitted that the
Workman instructed the workers to stop work and
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obstructed the management from recommencing
the work. He submitted that he incited the workers
to commit illegalities. He submitted that the
Workman then submitted his regertt letter dt.
19-04-2010 and admitted his responsibilities for the
incidence held on 06-02-2010 and 09-02-2010. He
submitted that taking into consideration the gravity
of the proved misconduct, existence of aggravated
circumstances and past records, the punishment of
dismissal issued to the Workman is just, legal and
proper and this Hon’ble court shall not interfere in
the same. In support of his oral contentions, Ld.
Adv. G. K. Sardessai relied upon the following
judgments of Hon’ble High Court of Bombay.
1. In the case of Sarabhai M. Chemicals (S. M.
Chemical & Electronics) Ltd. V/s. M.S.
Ajmere, reported in 1980, I LLJ 295.
2. In the case of Informedia India Ltd. V/s. Tata
Press Employees Union, reported in 2008 (4)
LLN 770.
3. In the case of Companies Act V/s. Shri
Vishwanath N. Jadhav, reported in 3942 of
1997.
He also relied upon the three judgments of
Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
4. In the case of Hombe Gowde Educational
Trust V/s. State of Karnataka, reported in
2006 (1) SCC 430.
5. In the case of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.
V/s. N. B. Narawade, reported in 2005 (3)
SCC 134.
6. In the case of Chairman & Managing Director,
V/s. Goparaju Sri Prabhakara Hari Babu 12,
reported in (2008) 5 SCC 569.
He also relied upon one judgment of Hon’ble High
Court of Delhi and a Judgment of Hyderabad.
7. In the case of Rajendra Kuimar Dixit V/s.
Management of Hindustan Times Ltd. and
Anr., reported in 2014 I LLJ 377.
8. In the case of Voltal Ltd.-Allwyn Unit V/s. I
Additional
Industrial
Tribunal-cum-
-Additional Labour Court, Presiding Officer,
Hyderabad reported in 2012 I LLJ 263.
I have carefully perused the entire records of the
present case including the synopsis of written
arguments filed by the Employer. I have also
carefully considered the submissions advanced
before me.
REASONS
17. Issue No. 1: Vide Order dt. 11-07-2019 passed
in the findings on the preliminary Issue No. 1 and
Issue No. 2 held that a fair and proper inquiry has
been conducted against the Workman in respect of
charge-sheet dt. 26-10-2010. The issue No. 1 is
therefore answered in the affirmative.
18. Issue No. 2: Vide Order dt. 11-07-2019 passed
in the findings on the preliminary Issue No.1 and
Issue No. 2 held that all the charges of misconducts
levelled against the Workman vide charge-sheet dt.
26-02-2010 have been proved to the satisfaction of
this court by acceptable evidence. The Issue No. 2
is therefore answered in the affirmative.
19. Issue No. 3: The Party-I raised the present
Industrial dispute challenging the action of the
management of the Employer in dismissing his
services w.e.f. 15-01-2011 as illegal and unjustified.
The Party-I contended that the inquiry conducted
against him is illegal and unjustified and in the
findings of the Ld. Inquiry Officer is without
application of mind and that he has been victimized
for his union activities and that the punishment
imposed upon him is too harsh and grossly
disproportionate considering the nature of
allegation.
20. Vide Order dt. 11-07-2019 passed on the
findings on the preliminary Issue No. 1 and Issue
No. 2 held that fair and proper inquiry has been
conducted against the Workman in respect of
charge-sheet dt. 26-10-2010 and that all the charges
of misconducts levelled against the Workman vide
charge-sheet dt. 26-02-2010 have been proved to
the satisfaction of this court by acceptable
evidence.
The only question remains to be decided is
whether punishment of dismissal awarded to him is
too harsh and grossly disproportionate considering
the proved misconduct.
21. In the case of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.
(Supra), the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Para
20 held as under:
“After introduction of Section 11-A in the
Industrial disputes Act, certain amount of discretion
is vested with the Labour Court/Industrial Tribunal
in interfering with the quantum of punishment
awarded by the management where the workman
concerned is found guilty of misconduct. The said
area of discretion has been very well defined by the
various judgments of the Supreme Court and it is
certainly not unlimited as has been observed by the
Division Bench of the High Court. The discretion
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which can be exercised under Section 11-A is
available only on the existence of certain factors like
punishment being so disproportionate to the gravity
of misconduct so as to disturb the conscience of the
court, or the existence of any mitigating
circumstances which require the reduction of the
sentence, or the past conduct of the workman which
may persuade the Labour Court to reduce the
punishment. In the absence of any such factor
existing, the Labour Court cannot by way of
sympathy alone exercise the power under Section 11-A
of the Act and reduce the punishment.”
23. In the case of Hombe Gowda Education Trust
and anr. (Supra), the Hon’ble Apex Court in Para of
17 of its Judgment held as under:
17. The Tribunal’s jurisdiction is a kin to one
under Section 11-A of the Industrial Disputes Act.
While exercising such discretionary jurisdiction, no
doubt it is open to the Tribunal to substitute one
punishment by another; but it is also trite that the
Tribunal exercises a limited jurisdiction in this behalf.
The jurisdiction to interfere with the quantum of
punishment could be exercised only when, inter alia,
it is found to be grossly disproportionate.
The Hon’ble Apex Court in para 20 of its
Judgment held as under:
“20. It is well-established principle in law that in
a given circumstance it is open to the Industrial
Tribunal acting under Section 11-A of the Industrial
Disputes Act, 1947 has the jurisdiction to interfere
with the punishment awarded in the domestic
inquiry for good and valid reasons. If the Tribunal
decides to interfere with such punishment it should
bear in mind the principle of proportionality between
the gravity of the offence and the stringency of the
punishment. In the instant case it is the finding of
the Tribunal which is not disturbed by the writ
courts that the two workmen involved in this appeal
along with the others formed themselves into an
unlawful assembly, armed with deadly weapons, went
to the office of the General Manager and assaulted
him and his colleagues causing them injuries. The
injuries suffered by the General Manager were caused
by lathi on the head. The fact that the victim did not
die is not a mitigating circumstance to reduce the
sentence of dismissal.”
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble Apex
Court in its aforesaid cases is well established and
also applicable to the case in hand.
24. Thus, after introduction of Section-11 of the
I. D. Act, certain amount of discretion is vested in
the Labour Court/Industrial Tribunal interfering
with the quantum of punishment awarded by the
management were the Workman concerned be
found guilty of misconduct. The dismissal which
can be exercised u/s. 11-A is available only on the
existence of certain factors like punishment being
so disproportionate to the gravity of misconduct so
as to disturb the conscience of the court or the
existence of any mitigating circumstances which
require the reduction of sentence or the past
conduct of the Workman which may persuade the
Labour Court to reduce the punishment.
25. In the case in hand, the Workman was
appointed as a Jr. Technician from Operator-cum-
-Assembler on the year 1988. He was a President of
the Local Union Committee. The services of the
Workman has dismissed w.e.f. 15-01-2011. The
evidence of record indicates that the Workman
worked with the Employer Company for around 22
years. The past record of the Workman is clean and
unblemished for the said 22 years service. He was
the President of the Local Union Committee as well
as the Office bearer of the AITUC. The misconduct
proved against the Workman are: Willful
insubordination or disobedience, whether alone or
in combination with another or other, of any lawful
and reasonable order of a superior, riotous, indecent
or disorderly behaving during working hours in the
factory premises or any act subversive of discipline
or efficiency, malingering or slowing down of work
alone or in combination with other workmen and
includes any stoppage of work in violation of
company’s rules and regulations, striking work
either singly or with other workmen in
contravention of this standing orders, any statute,
law, rules or enactment for the time being in force
or that may be framed from time to time or inciting
any Workman to strike work, use of impolite or
insulting or abusive language rude or unruly
behaviour, assault or threat of assault, either
provoked or otherwise, intimidation coercion within
the precincts of the company against any superior,
workmen, visitors, clients or any other person
authorized to work in the company and any such
acts outside the premises of the company which
directly affects the discipline, work or business of
the company, restraining or detaining or gheraoing
any superior or Workman of the company either
inside or outside the premises of the company,
interference with work of any other Workman or
supervisor in a manager inimical or detrimental to
the interest of the company, instigation, incitement,
abatement or furtherance of any of the above acts
or omissions. The evidence on record indicates that
12 workers were charge-sheeted by the Employer;
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
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33
however the management awarded the punishment
of dismissal to this Workman only. The evidence on
record indicates that the incident occurred on
06-02-2010, on account of failure to provide the hot
water facility on 06-02-2010.
In my considered opinion, taking into
consideration the past clean record of the Workman
of 22 years as well as being the President of the
Union the punishment of dismissal awarded to the
Workman is too severe and disproportionate to the
proved misconduct so as to disturb the conscience
of the Court. The management should have given
the punishment of four days suspension to the
Workman. It is therefore held that the action of the
management of the Employer in dismissing him from
the service w.e.f. 15-01-2011 is illegal and
unjustified.
26. In the case of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.
(Supra), before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,
the Workman was dismissed by the Employer for
the proved misconduct of abusing his superior in a
filthy language without any provocation by holding
an inquiry. The Labour Court came to the
conclusion that the punishment of dismissal issued
to the Workman over harsh and improper and hence
deserves to be set aside and substituted the said
punishment the Respondent reinstatement with
continuity of service but with 2/3rd back wages
w.e.f. 05-03-1993. Being aggrieved by the decision
of the Labour Court the Appellant preferred a writ
petition before the Ld. Single Judge of Hon’ble High
Court of Bombay which has been dismissed.
Against the said order of Ld. Single Judge the
Appellant preferred writ appeal before the Division
Bench of the Hon’ble High Court which has been
also dismissed. Hence the management filed appeal
before the Hon’ble Apex Court which has been
allowed.
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble Apex
court in its aforesaid judgment is distinguishable
and is not applicable to the case in hand.
27. In the case of Hombe Gowda Education
Trust and anr. (Supra), before the Hon’ble Apex
Court, the Respondent No. 3 was a lecturer in the
Appellant institution. The Respondent No. 3 was
subjected to disciplinary proceedings on an
allegation that he had assaulted the principal of
Appellant 2 with Chappal. He was found guilty of
the said charge and dismissed from service. An
appeal was preferred before the Educational
Appellant Tribunal, the Tribunal held that first
charge has not been satisfactory proved by cogent
and acceptable evidence. Despite holding that
although it could be said that Respondent No. 3
acted in retaliation to the action of the Principal
but such conduct was not justifiable, he opined
that the assault by Respondent No. 3 on the
Principal was proved. However, he awarded
punishment of withholding of pre-increment only
in plea of the order of dismissal passed by the
Appellant. Aggrieved, the Management State of
Karnataka, as Resp. No. 3 preferred separate writ
petition before the Karnataka High Court. The High
Court held that the Appellant should be directed to
pay back wages to the extent of 60% only. It was
further held that though the primary liability to
make such payment is that of the management,
when the management could claim the same by
way of advance grants or by way of reimbursement
from the Government its liability to pay the said
amount cannot be disputed. Both the management
as also the State filed the appeal before the Apex
Court. The Hon’ble Apex court held that the
impugned judgment cannot be sustained which are
set aside accordingly. The Appeals are allowed.
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble Apex
Court is distinguishable from the case in hand and
as such is not applicable to the case in hand.
28. In the case of Sarabhai M. Chemicals Ltd.
(Supra), before the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay in
Para 25 held as under:
“25. A stenographer is an essential part of any
commercial or administrative office. If lawful orders
are disobeyed by him, it is not necessary to measure
in terms of money the loss that may be caused or the
inconvenience that may be caused in order to decide
whether he should be punished in the course of a
departmental enquiry or not. The very fact that a
responsible employee like a stenographer indulges in
deliberate disobedience of lawful orders, in our view,
is sufficient to warrant a punishment of dismissal.”
The facts of the aforesaid case before the Hon’ble
High Court of Bombay, are totally different then the
case in hand and as such the principle laid down
by the Hon’ble High Court in Bombay is not
applicable to the case in hand.
29. Issue No. 4: The Workman alleged that he has
been victimized on false and bogus charges. The
burden was cast on the Workman to prove the said
Issue No. 4.
Indisputably, vide order dt. 11-07-2019, passed in
my findings on the preliminary Issue No.1 and Issue
No. 2 this Hon’ble court discussed and held that all
the charges of misconducts levelled against the
Workman vide charge-sheet dt. 26-02-2010 have
been proved to the satisfaction of this Court by
acceptable evidence.
34
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA
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4TH APRIL, 2024
30. In the case of Informedia India Ltd. (Supra),
the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay, held that:
……….. Once the charge of misconduct was
established, the allegation of victimization, as the
Supreme Court has held in Bharat Forge Company
(2005 (1) L.L.N.625) (vide supra), would lose its
significance particularly, in the absence of any cogent
evidence in regard to victimization in the present
case. Similarly, the Labour Court was entirely in
error in holding that the management had not moved
the Labour Court for a declaration in regard to the
illegality of the strike. From the evidence, including
the admissions of the charge-sheeted workman it
was evident that there was a concerted stoppage of
work upon the instructions of a representative of the
union and that the workmen had stopped work both
on 22 August, 1990 and 14 September, 1990…………..
The principle laid down by the Hon’ble High
Court of Bombay, is well established and also
applicable to the case in hand.
31. In the case in hand, indisputably, vide order
dt. 11-07-2019, passed in my findings on the
preliminary Issue No. 1 and Issue No. 2 this Hon’ble
court discussed and held that all the charges of
misconducts levelled against the Workman vide
charge-sheet dt. 26-02-2010 have been proved to
the satisfaction of this Court by acceptable
evidence. Once therefore, the charge of misconduct
have been proved the allegations of victimization
lose its significance. The Workman also did not
produce on record any cogent evidence to prove
that he has been victimized on false and bogus
charges. Hence, it is held that the Workman failed
to prove that he has been victimized on false and
bogus charges. The Issue No. 4 is therefore
answered in the negative.
32. Issue No. 5: The Employer, as and by way of
its preliminary objections, submitted that the
reference is not maintainable as the claim is not an
industrial dispute and that the Goa Trade and
Commercial workers union has no authority to
represent the Workman. The burden was cast on
the worker to prove the same.
In the case in hand, it is not in dispute that the
Party-I is a “workman” as defined u/s 2(s) of the I.
D. Act, 1947 and the Party-II is an “industry” as
defined u/s 2(j) of the I. D. Act, 1947, and as such the
dispute raised by the Party-I pertaining to non-
employment is an industrial dispute as defined
u/s 2(k) of the I. D. Act, 1947.
33. As regards, the authority of the Goa Trade
and Commercial Workers Union, the evidence on
record indicates that the Workman was the
president of Local Union Committee of all Goa
General Employees Union (CITU) at the time he was
representing the Workman of the Employer
company and he continued to be a member of the
same union at the time of dismissal. It has also come
on record that the Workman was also a member of
Goa Trade Commercial Workers Union.
Hence, it is held that the Employer failed to prove
that the reference is not maintainable in view of
reasons stated in para (a) and (b) of the written
statement. The issue No. 5 is therefore answered in
the Negative.
34. Issue No. 6: While deciding the Issue No. 3
hereinabove I have discussed and come to the
conclusion that the action of the management of
the Employer in dismissing from his services w.e.f.
15-01-2011, is illegal and unjustified. The evidence
on records indicates that after dismissal of services
of the Workman he was unemployed from the period
from 15-10-2011 till November, 2015, he was unable
to find job though he tried his level best to secure
job and November, 2015 till date, he is employed.
The Workman is therefore not entitled for
reinstatement in service of the Employer Company.
The Workman is however entitled for back wages
from the period from 15-10-2011 till November, 2015.
Thus, taking into consideration the wages of the
Workman and his unemployment, the Workman is
entitled to a lumpsum compensation of Rs. 1,50,000/-
towards back wages.
In view of above, I proceed to pass the following
order:
O R D E R
1. It is held that the action of the management of
M/s Funskool (India) Private Limited, Corlim,
Goa, in dismissing the services of Shri
Dattakumar V. Shet, Junior Technician-
-cum-Operator-cum-Assembler, with effect
from 15-01-2011, is illegal and unjustified.
2. It is held that the management of M/s Funskool
(India) Private Limited, Corlim, Goa, is hereby
directed to pay to the workman Shri
Dattakumar V. Shet an amount of Rs. 1,50,000/-
(Rupees one lakh fifty thousand only), towards
the back wages.
Inform the Government accordingly.
Sd/-
(Suresh N. Narulkar)
Presiding Officer,
Labour Court.
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4TH APRIL, 2024
35
Department of Law & Judiciary
Law (Establishment) Division
–––
Notification
No. 6-28-92/LD(Misc-I)(Estt)/Misc-I/733
Read: Government Notification No. 6-28-92/
/LD(Misc-I)(Estt)/Misc-I dated 16-02-2022.
In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (c)
of sub-section (2) of Section 6 of the Legal Services
Authorities Act, 1987 (Central Act 39 of 1987)
(hereinafter referred to as the “said Act”), read with
sub-rule (3) of Rule 3 of the Goa State Legal Services
Authority Rules, 1996, the Government of Goa, in
consultation with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the
High Court of Bombay, hereby nominates the
following persons as non-official members of the
State Legal Services Authority, with immediate
effect.
1. Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, Chairman, Goa
State Commission for PWD, Panaji-Goa.
2. Shri Ramchandra G. Ramani, Ld. Senior
Advocate, Panaji-Goa.
3. Ms. Norma Alvares, Ld. Advocate, Mapusa-Goa.
4. Shri Pritam Morais, Ld. Advocate, Margao-Goa.
5. Shri Jatin Ramaiya, Ld. Advocate, 340, Gera’s
Imperium Star, Patto, Panaji-Goa.
6. Shri V. B. Prabhu Verlekar, Chartered
Accountant, Govinda Building, M.G. Road,
Panaji-Goa.
7. Dr. Vijay Gawas, Associate Professor, Manohar
Parrikar School of Law, Dona Paula, Goa.
8. Dr. Amol Mahaldar, Consultant Nephrologist.
9. Shri Bosco George, Retired Deputy Inspector
General of Police.
10. Ms. Swati Kamat, Ld. Advocate, Panaji-Goa.
11. Ms. Maria Correia, Ld. Advocate, Panaji-Goa.
12. Shri Ravi Kudalkar, Ld. Advocate,
Bicholim-Goa.
The above members shall be entitled to travelling
and daily allowance as prescribed under sub-rule
(4) of Rule 5 of the Goa State Legal Services
Authority Rules, 1996.
The other terms and conditions will be governed
as per the Goa State Legal Services Authority Rules,
1996.
This issues in supersession of the earlier
Government Notification No. 6-28-92/LD(Misc-I)
(Estt)/Misc-I dated 16-02-2022.
By order and in the name of the Governor of
Goa.
Amir Y. Parab, Under Secretary (Law-Estt.).
Porvorim, 28th March, 2024.
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