JUDGMENT :

Petitioners are challenging the orders rejecting the application for registration as headload workers in the establishment of the fifth petitioner. The registering authority, as well as the Appellate Authority, rejected the applications filed by petitioners 1 to 4 for registration as headload workers under Rule 26A of the Kerala Headload Workers Rules, 1981 (for short 'the Rules') for the reason that the Kerala Headload Workers Welfare Board (for short 'the Board') had objected to the grant of registration.

2. On appeal, filed individually by petitioners 1 to 4, the Appellate Authority, by a common order dated 30.03.2021, rejected the appeal for three reasons :- (i) the service records, including the wages register and muster roll do not reflect the endorsement of the Assistant Labour Officer (ii) if registration is granted, it will affect the income of the Board and, (iii) granting registration will affect the employment opportunities and the income of the existing registered workers.

3. Alleging that the orders of both authorities are perverse and patently contrary to law, this writ petition is preferred seeking, inter alia, directions to the respondents for registration