JUDGMENT :

R.C. Patnaik, J. - The Petitioners, the workmen of the Orissa Police Co-operative Syndicate, a society registered under the Orissa Co-operative Societies Act, 1962 and admittedly an industry within the meaning of Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, have filed this writ application under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India for the quashing of the decisions of the Industrial Tribunal holding that the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to entertain and decide the reference made to it by the Government of two questions, namely, whether the workmen of the Orissa Police Co-operative Syndicate Limited, were entitled to any medical and house rent allowances, and if admissible, the rates thereof.

2. The Petitioners contend that since 1968 they have formed a trade union registered under the Trade Unions Act, 1926 in the name and style of 'Orissa Police Co-operative Syndicate Employees Union'. At various times disputes have been referred by the Government to the Industrial Tribunal for adjudication and awards have been passed and implemented. Some disputes have also been resolved in course of conciliation proceedings. In 1974 the Union submitted a Charter of De