GUEST, KEEN, WILLIAMS PRIVATE LTD. vs P. J. STERLING AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court ruled that the age of superannuation for industrial workers is a substantial question of law under Section 7(1)(a) of the Industrial Disputes (Appellate Tribunal) Act, 1950. It held that the standing order under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, could be modified and was not absolute, allowing for adjudication on the propriety of forced retirement. The Court upheld the Labour Appellate Tribunal's decision to reinstate the workmen who were compulsorily retired at age 55, emphasizing the importance of the issue for a large number of employees.