Judgment :-

R.M. Lodha, J.

This batch of 64 appeals is directed against the judgment passed by the High Court of Gujarat on March 22, 2002 whereby the Division Bench of that Court confirmed the award dated August 20, 1997 passed by Industrial Tribunal, Gujarat, Ahmedabad. Since the judgment as well as the questions raised herein are common, these appeals are disposed of by a common judgment.

1.2. Gujarat Agricultural University, appellant, (hereinafter referred to as, "Employer"), is an educational institution fully aided by the Government of Gujarat. It is engaged in the educational activities, particularly, in agriculture and allied sciences and humanities in the State of Gujarat. It has various agriculture Research Stations at different places in the State of Gujarat. In discharge of its duties and functions under the Gujarat Agriculture University Act, 1969, the employer engages daily rated labourers for various activities relating to agriculture research farms, fisheries, dairies, veterinary and other allied sciences.

2.3. On August 22, 1980 during the pendency of the conciliation proceedings (Conciliation Case No. IDC 480/80), a settlement under Section 12 read with Section 2(