Judgment

K. JAYACHANDRA REDDY, J. - Some of the employees unions, who figure as respondents herein; filed a batch of writ petitions challenging the validity of a Notification dated 9-10-92 issued by the Industries, Energy and Labour Department of the State Government of Maharashtra exercising the powers conferred by Section 13 of The Maharashtra Workmens Minimum House Rent Allowance Act, 1983 (Act for short). A Division Bench of the High Court declared the impugned Notification as invalid, unenforceable and accordingly quashed the same and also directed the employers, who figured as respondents before the High Court, to refund the amount recovered from the workmen on the basis of the impugned Notification. M / s Hindustan Lever Ltd., Batliboi & Co. and others (Companies for short) have filed these two S.L.Ps. questioning the judgment of the High Court. These S.L.Ps. are being disposed of at the admission stage itself. Some other Employees Unions have filed I. A. Nos. 3-4-5-6 for being impleaded as interveners.

2. With a view to provide for payment of minimum house-rent allowance to workmen employed in industries in Maharashtra and to provide for matters connected therewith, the Act w