Ratnam, J.

An interesting question in the realm of industrial jurisprudence arises for our consideration and decision in this appeal. To lay bare that question and to highlight the controversy, the factual backdrop may be briefly noticed. One Thiru Veeranan was a senior clerk in the Madurai District Co-operative Supply and Marketing Society Ltd. He was placed in charge of Srinivasa Mills for a brief period during which a shortage in the stock of grains and pulses was detected in the godown in respect whereof Veeranan was also charge-sheeted. A domestic enquiry followed his explanation and as a result of the findings arrived at, Veeranan was dismissed from service. This led to a reference by the Government under Section10(1) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) to the Labour Court, Madurai, in I.D. No. 65 of 1970 in the following terms :

"1. Whether the non-employment of Thiru C. Veeranan (Godown clerk) is justified, if not, to what relief he would be entitled ?

2. To compute the relief, if any, awarded, in terms of money, if it can be so computed." *

Pending adjudication of this reference, Veeranan died on 26th January, 1973. The appell