Ram Mohan Reddy, J.

Petitioner-employer, issued with a notice to appear before the 1st respondent - Labour Officer, Minimum Wages Authority in a proceeding u/s 20[2] of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 [for short 'Act'], when not available at the postal address, the postal authorities placed the intimation in the post box assigned to the petitioner, at Chikmagalur, which was not opened by the petitioner since away at Mumbai and on return on 29.5.2012, having opened the post box though noticed the intimation, nevertheless awaited further notice from the Minimum Wages Authority. According to the petitioner, on receipt of a copy of the order dated 26.9.2012, acknowledged on 10.1.2013, filed an application under Order IX Rule 13 C.P.C. to set aside the order placing him ex parte and to extend an opportunity of hearing, which when, rejected by endorsement dated 22.2.2013 Annexure-C, has presented this petition.

2. The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, beyond cavil of doubt, is promulgated with the laudable object of fixing minimum rates of wages in certain employments, and a procedure to adjudicate upon disputes over alleged contravention of the Act, as well as penalties. The specific remedy to