LAKSHMI DEVI SUGAR MILLS LTD. vs PT. RAM SARUP.(and connected appeal)

The Supreme Court held that the actions of the company did not constitute a lock-out as defined under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and thus did not require prior permission from the Appellate Tribunal under Section 22 of the Industrial Disputes (Appellate Tribunal) Act, 1950. The Court clarified that the suspension of workers was a response to their illegal strike and did not breach the Standing Orders. Consequently, the appeal by the company was allowed, overturning the Appellate Tribunal's decision to reinstate the workers.