( 1. ) THE petitioners, who are bidi manufacturers, by this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, challenge the notification dated 19th December 1979 (Annexure-B) issued under sections 3 and 5 (2) of the minimum Wages Act, 1948 fixing rates of minimum wages for certain classes of employees.

( 2. ) THE proposal to fix minimum wages for three classes of employees, namely, Munim, Chowkidar and Cook (Rasoiya) was published on 25th June 1979. The notice publishing the proposal stated that the proposal will be taken into consideration after the expiry of two months from the date of publication of the notification in the Madhya Pradesh Gazette. It further stated that any objection or suggestion which may be received from any person with respect to the said proposal within the said period will be considered by the State Government. The proposal notified in so far as relevant was as follows:

EXPLANATION for the purpose of this Notification:-"1 (a) Zone I shall comprise of cities/towns with a population of 50,000 and above, including an area of 8 kms. from the Municipal Corporation/municipality limits and where such Municipal Corporation/municipality does not exist with suc