WORKMEN OF THE STRAW BOARD MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED vs M/S. STRAW BOARD MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED

The Supreme Court held that the closure of S-mill was legitimate and did not constitute a lay-off, retrenchment, or lock-out under the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, specifically Section 25FFF. The Court emphasized that the two mills operated as independent units, with distinct operations, resources, and management, thus affirming the tribunal's decision that the workmen were not entitled to any relief. The judgment clarified the criteria for determining whether industrial establishments are separate units, highlighting the importance of functional integrality in such assessments.