This appeal is directed against the dismissal of the writ petition filed by M/s. E.I.D. Parry (India) Ltd., Ranipet challenging the correctness of the common order passed by the Labour Court, Vellore in the claim petitions filed by respondents 2 to 86 herein under S. 33-C(2) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

2. The appellant company introduced a Retirement Benefit Scheme for the non-covenanted employees working in its specified units by General Office Order No. 26, which came into force on December 1, 1943 in the Ranipet Unit with which we are concerned. While the first part of the Office Order related to retirement allowance, the second part provided for gratuity to those who were in the service of the company prior to 1947 and who did not qualify for pension. There was a settlement of disputes between the management and workers in 1956 which contained provisions for gratuity and retiring allowances. The Payment of Gratuity Act came into force on September 16, 1972. The appellant took the stand that thereafter the employees were not entitled to retirement allowances under G.O.O. No. 26. The appellant had introduced Voluntary Retirement Schemes and Early Retirement S