MANAGEMENT OF NORTHERN RAILWAYCO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD. vs INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL, RAJASTHAN, JAIPUR AND ANR.

The Supreme Court held that the appellant's plea regarding the competency of the reference to the Industrial Tribunal was barred by res judicata, as it had been previously rejected by the High Court, which was deemed a final order under Article 226. The Court affirmed that respondents could support the Tribunal's decision on grounds not accepted by the Tribunal, referencing the principles established in Ramanbhai Ashabhai Patel v. Dabhi Ajitkumar Fulsinji & Ors. and Powari Tea Estate v. Barkataki. The Tribunal's finding that the respondent was not entitled to representation by a stranger during the enquiry was also upheld, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to natural justice principles in domestic enquiries under the Industrial Disputes Act.