Judgment

GAJENDRAGADKAR, J. : This appeal by special leave arises from an industrial dispute between the appellant, Associated Electrical Industries (India) Private Ltd., and the respondents, who are its workmen. The dispute was in regard to a claim for bonus made by the respondents for the year 1953-54. The respondents claimed that they should be awarded bonus for the relevant year in the sum equivalent to four months basic wages. It appears that the appellant had already paid two months basic wages as bonus to the respondents. As a result of the award the appellant has been directed to pay an additional bonus in the sum of 15 days basic wages. It is this award which is the subject matter of the present appeal.

2. Mr. Sanyal, who appears for the appellant, has drawn our attention to the fact that special leave has been limited to the question of jurisdiction, and it is that question of jurisdiction which he has raised for our decision. This question arises in this way. The present dispute was first referred for adjudication to the Fifth Industrial Tribunal on September 21, 1956. Thereafter the reference in question was withdrawn from the Fifth Industrial Tribunal and the dispute