Judgment

GOSWAMI, J. :- This appeal by special leave is directed against an award of the Industrial Court, Maharashtra (hereinafter referred to for brevity as the Tribunal) of 29th January, 1970. There was a reference by the Mill Mazdoor Sahab, Bombay (briefly the Sabha) under Section 73-A of the Bombay Industrial Relations Act, 1946, in pursuance of a notice of change dated 22nd August, 1968. The Sabha demanded revision basic wages for the time-rated workmen of several categories and also a rise of 50% in the wage of the piece-rated workers in the Consumers Price Index bracket 621-630 (old series). The Subha also demanded dearness allowances of 10 paise per day for every rise of 10 points or part thereof above the said slab. They also claimed the benefit retrospectively from 1st June, 1968. The Sabha submitted its statement of claim on 14th February, 1969.

2. It appears that the appellant is a partnership firm which was constituted and commenced production in April 1967. The firm manufacturers and sells nylon and hosiery goods such as socks, under-garments, and the like. It is registered with the Maharashta State Directorate of Industries as a small scale industry, Prior to April 1