STATE OF BIHAR vs KRIPA SHANKAR JAISWAL

The Supreme Court ruled that a settlement reached during conciliation proceedings binds all workmen under Section 18(3)(a) and (d) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, even if the union is unregistered and not all workmen are parties to the dispute. The Court held that the absence of notice under Section 11(2) does not affect the jurisdiction of the conciliation officer, and any delay in submitting the report under Section 12(6) does not invalidate the proceedings. The acquittal by the Patna High Court was overturned, affirming the binding nature of the settlement on all workmen involved.