M/s. L. H. SUGAR FACTORIES AND OIL MILLS (P) LTD. vs THEIR WORKMEN

The Supreme Court ruled that the 'Crushing Season' for the year 1958-59 ended on March 12, 1959, when the actual crushing of sugar cane stopped, rather than on March 16, 1959, when all ancillary operations ceased. The Court emphasized that the term 'Crushing Season' should be interpreted in its ordinary meaning unless a different industry-specific definition is established. Consequently, seasonal workers listed on the muster roll on March 13, 1959, were entitled to three days' closure holidays as per the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.