JUDGMENT :

Sanjay Kumar Medhi, J.

1. A short question arises for determination of the lis which involves Section 17B of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (herein after referred to as the Act). Both the Interlocutory Applications (IA), which have come up for consideration, are based on an interim order dated 03.08.2020 passed in the connected WP(C)/2933/2020. While IA(C)/1544/2020 has been filed by the applicant, who is the Workman, for granting of the relief under the aforesaid Section by categorically stating that he is not gainfully employed, the second application, being IA(C)/2293/2020 has been filed by the petitioner as Management for modification of the order dated 03.08.2020 by deleting the direction for compliance of the provisions of Section 17B of the Act.

2. To appreciate the issue raised, it would be convenient if the basic facts are put on record.

3. The connected writ petition has been filed by the Management challenging, inter alia, an Award dated 01.10.2019 passed by the learned Central Government Industrial Tribunal, Guwahati (herein after CGIT) whereby the Management of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority (APEDA) has been directe