( 1 ) HEARD Mr. Thakar for the petitioner. This petition came to us earlier on 17th March 1997 before another Judge (Calla, J.) when a notice was issued to the respondents. The matter has been pending since then. It is a matter concerning the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. It is desirable that it be disposed of at the earliest. Hence, Rule. The same is made returnable forthwith. Mr. J. D. Ajmera waives service of Rule on behalf of respondent Nos. 1 and 2 and Mr. V. M. Patel waives service of Rule on behalf respondent Nos. 3 to 7. Mr. Patel has already filed an affidavit-in-reply on behalf of respondent No. 3.

( 2 ) THE facts leading to this controversy are as follows :-THE first petitioner is a private limited company engaged in execution of civil engineering contracts. The second petitioner is its Managing Director. The first petitioner at the relevant time was laying down pipeline for respondent No. 3, i. e. , Indian Oil Corporation Limited. Respondent Nos. 4 to 7 are the officers of respondent No. 3. Respondent No. 2 is the Labour Enforcement Officer (Central) whereas respondent No. 1 is the Regional labour Officer (Central) and he is also an authori