CHIEF MINING ENGINEER EAST INDIA COAL CO. LTD. vs RAMESWAR AND ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the Labour Court's jurisdiction under Section 33C(2) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, to entertain claims for bonus under the Coal Mines Provident Fund and Bonus Scheme Act, 1948. The Court clarified that the right to the benefit must be an existing one arising from the employer-employee relationship, and there is no limitation period applicable to claims under Section 33C(2). The Court also ruled that the period of limitation under the Bonus Scheme does not apply to these claims, affirming the Labour Court's decision to allow the workmen's claims for bonus and other benefits.