Judgment

SEN, J.:- This is an appeal by special leave from a judgment of the Calcutta High Court, by which it refRamed from interfering with an order of the Central Government Industrial Tribunal, Calcutta, constituted under S. 7-A of the Industrial Disputes-Act, 1947, setting aside an ex parte award made by it

2. The facts giving rise to the appeal are these: The Government of India, Ministry of Labour by an order dated July 26, 1975 referred an industrial dispute existing between the employers in relation to the Grindlays Bank Ltd., Calcutta and their workmen, to the Central Government Industrial Tribunal in exercise of its powers under S. 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 for adjudication. By a notice dated March 6, 1976 the Tribunal fixed peremptory hearing of the reference for May 28, 1976, but the hearing was adjourned from time to time on one ground or other. Eventually, the hearing of the reference was fixed for December 9, 1976. On December 9, 1976 counsel appearing on behalf of respondent No. 3, the Commercial Establishments Employees Association, representing respondents Nos. 5 to 17, sought an adjournment on the ground that the General Secretary of the Association h