1. These are petitions presented by the proprietors of the Punchiri Boat Services Ltd., Alleppey, P.M. Abraham & Sons Boat Service, Alleppey, and the Indian Navigation Co., Alleppey, respectively under Art.226 of the Constitution of India challenging the following notification marked Ext. A issued by the State of Travancore-Cochin, (No. L.I.16322/53/DD dated 9th October 1954) fixing minimum wages for boat transport under the minimum Wages Act, 1948 (Central Act XI of 1948):

"LI.16322/53/DD. 9th October 1954.

In exercise of the powers conferred on them by Clause.(a) of Sub-s.1 of S. 6 read with Clause.(iii) of Sub-s. (1) of S. 4 of the Minimum Wages Act 1948 (Central Act XI of 1948) and after considering the advice of the Committee appointed under Clause.(a) of Sub-s. (1) of S. 5 of the said Act, Government hereby fix the minimum rates of wages, as specified in the schedule hereto annexed, which shall be payable to the classes of employees in the Public Motor Transport mentioned thereunder.

This notification shall come into force on and from 15.10.1954.

Table:#1 Table:#2

N.B. 1. Adolescents 80% of the corresponding daily wages in all the categories.

2. Public Motor Transport W