STATE BANK OF PATIALA vs RAM PRAKASH

The Supreme Court interpreted the National Industrial Tribunal (Bank Disputes) Award (Desai Award) under Section 33C(2) of the Industrial Disputes Act, determining that the adjusted basic pay must be calculated as of January 1, 1959, and that clauses (i) and (ii) of para 5.356 must be adhered to in the computation of benefits. The Court held that the actual fixation of pay for employees cannot be less than their basic pay as of January 1, 1959, and increments must be subject to the maximum limits set by the earlier clauses. The Labour Court's partial acceptance of the employees' claims was upheld, ensuring that their pay was fixed in accordance with the established principles from the Sastry Award.