( 1 ) THE short question that arises for consideration in this writ petition is as to whether power of attorney holder of a party is entitled to appear as a witness on behalf of the said party ?

( 2 ) THE facts leading for filing of this writ petition are as follows :the writ petitioners are the owners of a Hotel at Gudivada in Krishna District. The second respondent herein was the Manager of the said Hotel. As a result of some misgivings, the second respondent was kept away from Hotel business from the year 1992 onwards. The second respondent raised a dispute before the Authority under Section 50 of A. P. Shops and Establishments Act-cum-Labour Officer (first respondent herein) in A. P. F. C. No. 4 of 1996. The second respondent also filed a civil suit in OSNo. 209 of 1996 in the Court of the District Munsif, Gudivada, claiming a sum of Rs. 40,000. 00 towards bonus arrears. The petitioners filed a counter in A. P. F. C. No. 4 of 1996 contending that since the second respondent was drawing a salary of Rs. 3,000. 00per month at the relevant point of time, the first respondent has no jurisdiction to entertain the case in terms of Section 73 (1) (a) of A. P. Shops and