JUDGMENT:

D.K. JAIN, J.:

Leave granted.

2. In relation to a Multi-State Co-operative Bank carrying on business in more than one State, which government Central or State, is the "appropriate government" for the purposes of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1946 (for short "the ID Act"), is the short question for consideration in this appeal?

3. The Appellant-Bank (hereinafter referred to as "the Bank") was originally registered under the Maharashtra State Co-operative Societies Act, 1960. As the Bank had a number of branches outside Maharashtra, subsequently, it got registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 1984. It is in the banking business and is governed by the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (for short "the BR Act"). The respondent is a trade union and represents workmen employed in the Bank.

4. Mainly aggrieved by transfer of eleven employees from one place to another, alleging it as an act of victimisation, the respondent filed a complaint against the Bank under Section 28 of the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971 (for short "the MRTU & PULP Act"), along with an application for interim relief,