Judgment

VENKATARAMIAH, J. :- The important question which arises for determination in this appeal by special leave is whether Ss. 9-A, 10, 11-A, 12 and 33 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) are applicable to educational institutions established and administered by minorities which are protected by Cl. (1) of Art. 30 of the Constitution of India.

2. The first respondent - Christian Medical College Vellore Association, Vellore, is an association registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The object of the association is "the establishment, maintenance and development of Christian Medical Colleges and Hospitals in India where women and men shall receive an education of the highest grade in the art and science of Medicine and Nursing or in one or other of the related professions to equip them, in the spirit of Christ, for service in the relief of suffering and the promotion of health". Dr. Ida Scudder, a daughter of an American Medical missionary in India, realising the need for more women doctors in India to give relief to the suffering women, in particular, started a one-bed clinic in 1900 at Vellore in the State of Tamil Nadu. Within