T. Arulraj, Presiding Officer

1. This dispute arising out of a reference under Section 10(1)(d) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 by the Government of India in Order No. L-12012/14/81-D.II(A), dated 15th June, 1982 of the Ministry of Labour is in respect of nonpayment of bonus as usual from 31st December, 1975.

2. According to the allegations in the separate claim statements of State Bank of India Staff Union, Madras, State Bank Employees' Union, Madras and State Bank Workmen Staff Union, Madras, the Imperial Bank of India which was the predecessor-in-interest of the Respondent-Bank used to close their books and accounts and declare dividends at the close of the each half year ending on 30th June and 31st December each year. After the close of the first half in 1943, and long Ix-fore the advent of concept of honus in industrial law, the Imperial Bank paid bonus equivalent to one month's basic pay drawn by them on 30th June, 1943 and also 31st December, 1943 to its employees and the Respondent-Bank continued to pay the same when it succeeded Imperial Hank in 1955 without break in an unbroken change and irrespective of an profit; or the salaries of the employees, in spite of