( 1 ) A learned Single Judge of this Court by a common order impugned in these writ appeals has allowed writ petitions filed by management of Beedi Manufacturing Industries and quashed notification dated 24-10-1996 issued by the Government of Karnataka under Sections 3 and 5 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (for short, 'the Act') revising the rates of minimum wage in the beedi Manufacturing Industries. Being aggrieved by the said judgment of the learned Single judge, the State of Karnataka and the concerned Trade Unions representing the workforce in the beedi Manufacturing Industries have filed these writ appeals.

( 2 ) BEEDI industries is spread throughout the State of Karnataka and the employees in the said industry number more than 8 lakhs. Employment in Beedi Manufacturing Industries is a scheduled employment as per the provisions of the Act. Under Section 3 of the Act, the appropriate Government is empowered to fix and revise minimum wages in the scheduled employment. This is an obligation in terms of the provisions of Section 3 of the Act.

( 3 ) THE Government of Karnataka issued draft notification bearing No. LD 249 LMW 91, dated 9-5-1995 under Section 5 (1) (b) of the Act a

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