ROHTAK HISSAR DISTRICT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. LTD. vs STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, the Certifying Officer has the jurisdiction to assess the fairness and reasonableness of draft standing orders, as amended by Section 4 of Act 56 of 1956. The Court clarified that the consent of employees, while relevant, does not determine the authority's judgment in certification proceedings. It was established that draft standing orders must align with the Schedule of the Act, and the authority must ensure that provisions are fair and reasonable, particularly when employees are unorganized. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the Certifying Officer's decision.