Untwalia, J.

1. In this case an important and difficult question of law in regard to the interpretation of certain Articles in Part XIV of the Constitution has arisen. Petitioner No. 1 is the Chini Mazdoor Sangh, Guraru, a Trade Union having its office at Guraru Mills in the district of Gaya; the other two petitioners are employed in the Sugar Factory at that place. The said Factory was the property of Gaya Sugar Mills Ltd., which Company went into liquidation since 14-11-1951. Shri D. C. Mehta was appointed its Official Liquidator on 1-2-52. The Factory was leased out for two years commencing from 6-12-52 to the Co-operative Development and Cane Marketing Union Ltd., Guraru, by the Official Liquidator. For subsequent periods it was leased out to S. K. G. Sugar Ltd. Eventually, the said Factory was sold to the State of Bihar, which took possession of the Factory and continued employment of all workers of the Factory since 26-1-62.

The Factory is directly under the management and control of the State of Bihar, respondent No. 1. It is managed through the Special Officer, Chini Mill, Guraru, respondent No. 3. He has been put under the control of the Cane Commissioner, Governme