Judgment

SINHA, C.J.I. : This appeal, by special leave, is directed against the award dated May 10, 1961, made by the Central Government s Additional Industrial Tribunal (Shri Salim M. Merchant) Bombay, in Reference No. 4 of 1960, on a reference made by the Central Government under cl. (d) of sub-s. (1) of S. 10 the Industrial Disputes Act (XIV of 1947). The main point in controversy between the parties relates to the question of bonus, both traditional or customary bonus and profit-sharing bonus.

2. The appellants are a partnership ; firm, registered under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, and have their office at 46, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay 1. The firm carries on business in the name of Messrs. Tulsidas Khimji, and for the relevant year ended October 31, 1958, the partners were (1) Shri Karsondas Tulsidas (2) Shri Ranchoddas Gokuldas (3) Shri Narandas Tulsidas (4) Shri Moolsingh Karsondas (5) Shri Shantu Karsondas and (6) Shri Narendra Ranchhodas. They are closely related to one another. The first two partners aforesaid have been associated with the firm for about 40 years, the third for about 35 years, the fourth for about 15 years, the fifth for about 8 years and the 6th