M/S. KASTURI AND SONS (PRIVATE) LTD. vs SHRI N. SALIVATEESWARAN AND ANOTHER

The Supreme Court held that under Section 17 of the Working Journalists (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955, the specified authority lacks jurisdiction to determine the amount due to a journalist, as it only provides a procedure for recovery of amounts previously determined by a competent authority or court. The Court clarified that if the legislature intended for the authority to adjudicate on the merits of claims, it would have conferred necessary powers, which were not present. Consequently, the petitioner's challenge to the authority's jurisdiction was upheld, and the claim was dismissed.