( 1 ) THIS matter was heard early this year and judgment was reserved. On an application of learned counsel for respondent No. 2 the matter was reheard after considerable number of adjournments were given to suit the convenience of counsel.

( 2 ) THE principal point for decision in this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is the meaning to be given to the word "workman" in Section 2 (s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and the scope of the applicability of the said Act vis-a-vis reference being made of alleged industrial disputes to a Labour Court or a Tribunal under the Act.

( 3 ) THE petitioner is a registered company with a branch office at Delhi. It is engaged in the sale of heavy machinery and other equipment manafactured by it. Respondent No. 2, A. P. Goel, who is a qualified Chartered Accountant was an employee in the Delhi branch of the petitioner. It is not disputed that at the relevant time his employment were Rs. 883. 00 per month. The services of Goel were terminated by the petitioner with effect from May 16, 1973. A dispute in respect of this termination of service was raised and was eventually referred by the Delhi Administra