JUDGMENT

Markandey Katju, J. —

1. Leave granted.

2. This appeal has been filed against the impugned judgment and order dated 20.3.2006 in Civil Misc. Writ Petition No. 11078 of 1997 of the Allahabad High Court.

3. Heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record.

4. The writ petition in the High Court was filed against the award of the Labour Court IV, Kanpur dated 14.11.1996 (annexure P/4 to this appeal). That award was given on a reference made by the State Government under Section 4-K of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 regarding the termination of service of respondent, Laxmi Kant Gupta from the service of the appellant.

5. The respondent claimed that he was appointed as Coolie on 16.1.1984 and worked till 15.2.1986, and that his service was then terminated without complying with the provisions of Section 6-N of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act. The appellant, on the other hand, alleged that the respondent was never given a regular appointment.

6. Admittedly, the respondent challenged his termination of service after a delay of about 10 years by approaching the Conciliation Officer only on 14.9.1995. The Labour Court observed that no reason has been given for