INDIAN IRON & STEEL CO., LTD. & ANOTHER vs THEIR WORKMEN(and connected appeals)

The Supreme Court held that the notice dated August 23, 1953, declaring a lock-out did not terminate the services of the workmen but allowed them to resume work without conditions if they reported by a specified date. The Court emphasized that the discretion to grant leave to workmen in custody rests with the employer unless proven to be exercised mala fide. The powers of the Industrial Tribunal to interfere in dismissals are limited to cases of bad faith, victimization, violation of natural justice, or baseless findings, as established in Burn and Co., Calcutta v. Their Employees, [1956] S.C.R. 781.