Judgement

RAMASWAMI, J. : This appeal is brought, by special leave, against the award of the Industrial Tribunal, Assam published in Assam Gazette dated January 13, 1960, vide Assam Government Notification No. 361/55/690 dated December 29, 1959, in References Nos. 25 to 39, 41, 43 to 45, 47 to 51, 54 to 57, 59 to 61, 63 to 67, 69 to 73, 76 and 91 of 1957 and 15 of 1958.

2. During the period from June, 1951 to March, 1953 the entire tea industry in the Cachar district of Assam was subject to an unusual economic crisis. There was a steep rise in the cost of production due to increase of wages and introduction of subsidised rations. In October, 1949 a Tripartite Conference was held at Silchar and it was decided in this Conference that nearly 20 Tea Estates had become uneconomic and should be allowed to convert food concessions into cash at the rate of 0-4-6 per head per day. The need for re-adjustment of labour force was also recognised in this Conference. The financial position of the Teat Estates however continued to cause anxiety to the Government. On February 12, 1949 an Ad hoc Committee was appointed which submitted its report on September 13, 1950. In this report the Committee str