Ashwani Kumar Singh, J.

1. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner, learned counsel for the State and learned counsel for the Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University. The petitioner has filed this writ application for quashing of award dated 13.2.2014 passed in Reference Case No. 8 of 2000 by the learned Presiding Officer, Labour Court, Bhagalpur under Section 10(1)(c) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (for short "I.D. Act") whereby it has upheld the order passed by the employer dismissing the petitioner from service.

2. The petitioner and seven others had submitted an application dated 19.7.1999 disputing their dismissal from service from February, 1999 by the management of the Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University to the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Bhagalpur-cum-Authority under conciliation proceeding. The Deputy Labour Commissioner, Bhagalpur took initiative for a fair and amicable settlement of the dispute, but no settlement could be arrived at between the parties. On failure of reconciliation, a report under Section 12(4) of the I.D. Act was submitted by the Conciliation Officer to the Government vide letter No. 1888 dated 15.9.1999.

3. After considering the facts and circums