C. HARI SHANKAR, J.

1. The name of Vimal Kumar Mehta-the respondent-workman before us-who was, theretofore, employed as Telex-cum-Tele-printer Operator with the petitioner, was struck off from the rolls of the petitioner, vide communication dated 11th October, 1991. This resulted in the raising, by the respondent, of an industrial dispute, which, vide order of reference dated 23rd September, 1994 was referred, by the Secretary (Labour), Government of NCT of Delhi, to the Labour Court for adjudication. Vide the impugned award, dated 24th July, 2004, the Labour Court directed reinstatement of the respondent, with continuity of service and full back wages with all consequential benefits from the date of his termination till the date of his reinstatement. The present writ petition has been preferred by the petitioner (M/s. Engineers India Limited) thereagainst.

2. While issuing notice on the present writ petition, on 17th November, 2004, this Court had stayed the effect and operation of the impugned award, subject to the petitioner depositing in this Court, the wages last drawn by the respondent, in terms of Section 17B of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (hereinafter referred