1. These petitions were heard together. They challenge the validity of a notification of the Government of Kerala dated 26-2-1958 under S.3 (1) (a) of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (Central Act XI of 1948). That notification was published in the Kerala Gazette on 4-3-1958 and (omitting the schedule thereto) reads as follows:

"In exercise of the powers conferred by clause [a] of sub-section ] of S.3 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (Central Act XI of 1948) Government are hereby pleased to fix the minimum rates of wages payable to the employees in Agricultural Operations in the territories referred to in S.5 [2] of the States Reorganisation Act. 1956 [Central Act XXXVII of 1956] as Malabar District, the same having been previously published as required by clause [b] of sub-section [1] of S.5 of the said Act.

This notification shall come into force with effect from the date of this notification."

2. The territories which constitute the Malabar District in the State of Kerala under S.5 (2) of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, are the territories comprised in the old Malabar District of the Madras State, excluding the islands of Laccadives and Minicoy and the Kasargod Taluk of t