1. Heard the learned counsel for the parties.

Rule.

Rule made returnable forthwith.

By consent, matter is taken up for final hearing at the stage of admission.

2. By this petition under Article 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner- first party challenges the order dated 8th August 2012 passed by the Presiding Officer, Labour Court, Satara below Exhibit 105 in Reference (IDA) No.94 of 2005 rejecting the petitioner's application dated 17th April 2010 for amendment of the written statement.

3. Brief facts of the present matter are, as under:

In the present proceedings, the State of Maharashtra vide its order dated 13th September 2005 made a Reference to the trial court. In the said Reference, the petitioner filed written statement dated 19th September 2006 and thereafter they preferred application below Exhibit 105 for amendment of the written statement. The said application was rejected by the learned Labour Court, Satara on the ground that the petitioner has made the application for amendment of the written statement after the trial commenced. Respondent led evidence of two witnesses. Thereafter, the petitioner also examined their witnesses. At the time of cro