THE MANAGEMENT OF INDIAN CABLE CO., LTD.,CALCUTTA vs ITS WORKMEN

The Supreme Court held that under Section 25G of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, retrenchment must follow the principle of last in, first out, and that the closure of a branch does not absolve the employer from adhering to this principle. The Court ruled that the Punjab Government had the jurisdiction to refer the dispute for adjudication, as the workmen's claims constituted an industrial dispute under Section 2(k) of the Act. The Tribunal's order to reinstate the workmen was upheld, affirming their right to employment in light of the company's operational structure.