By an Order, G.O. Ms. No. 3961, Industries, Labour and Co-operation, dated the 2nd December, 1957, the Government of Madras referred to the Industrial Tribunal, Madras, for adjudication, various issues relating to the wages, dearness allowance, bonus and holidays with pay, arising between thirty industrial establishments or concerns in Salem, which are engaged in dyeing yarn or cloth, and the persons working in those establishments.

The managements took the preliminary objection that the reference was incompetent.

"As there was no industrial dispute at all, since there was no relationship of employer and employee or master and servant between the parties."

Two of the managements concerned took the special plea that there was no dispute whatever between them and their employees.

The Tribunal overruled the objections and passed an award on 9th May, 1958. In respect of dearness allowance the Tribunal held that only three factories were in a position to pay any special dearness allowances, and these were directed to pay dearness allowance, at the rate of Rs. 10 per month for every worker. The question of bonus was also considered unit by unit. In some cases the Tribu