JUDGMENT :

Kurian, J.

1. Leave granted.

2. The limited grievance of the appellants is on the direction to deposit the amounts already received by them at the time of the alleged cessation of employment with the respondents as a pre-condition for the Labour Court to enter adjudication on the grievance raised by the employees.

3. Having heard Mr. R.P. Bhatt, learned senior counsel appearing for the appellants and Mr. C.U. Singh, learned senior Counsel appearing for the respondents, in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, we are of the view that the interest of justice would be advanced if the direction of the High Court to deposit the amounts already received by appellants at the time of cessation, is partly modified.

4. Accordingly, we dispose of the appeal permitting the appellants to deposit 50% of the gross VRS amount (which does not include P.F. Gratuity, etc.) within a period of three months from today.

5. The Labour Court, Vadodara will decide the Reference within a period of three months from the date of deposit as above.

6. The appeal is disposed of as above. No costs.