JUDGMENT

ORDER:- Workmen of Rohtas Industries Limited situated at Dalmianagar in District Rohtas within the State of Bihar sent a letter addressed to Honble the Chief Justice of this Court on 8th of July, 1985, alleging that the Company had four units, namely, paper and boards, cement, asbestos and vegetable ghee plant; the management closed down the Industries with effect from 9th of September, 1984, and have denied employment to about 10,000 employees. It was prayed that there should be immediate restoration of electricity to the colony, payment of salary and wages for the period since closure should be directed and compensation as per the amendment to the Industrial Disputes Act in 1984 and dues under the provident fund account, gratuity etc. should also be directed to be paid. This letter was registered as a writ petition and notice was issued. In the mean time by order dated 22-5-1989, the Patna High Court appointed a Provisional Liquidator under the Companies Act. In the writ proceedings before this Court the employers, the Provisional Liquidator, the State of Bihar and the Union of India have, in due course, appeared.

2. On 27-4-1987*, the Court made an interim order in the ma