THE BATA SHOE CO. (P) LTD. vs D. N. GANGULY & OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that under Sections 12 and 18 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, a settlement must have the approval of the conciliation officer to be binding. The Court found that the settlement on September 2, 1954, lacked such approval, thus validating the government's reference for adjudication. The Tribunal's award for reinstatement of the dismissed workmen was upheld, as the dismissal was deemed unjustified given the circumstances surrounding the strike, which was initiated by the union.