J. C. JAIN vs R. A. PATHAK AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court interpreted Section 17(1)(a) of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, clarifying that the term 'the total sum directed to be paid' does not refer to individual applicants but can include consolidated claims from multiple employees. The Court held that an employer has the right to appeal under Section 17(1)(a) when a consolidated award exceeds Rs. 300, regardless of individual awards. The previous ruling in Laxman Pandu and Others v. Chief Mechanical Engineer was overruled, affirming the clarity of the statute's language.