JHAGRAKHAN COLLIERIES (P) LTD. vs SHRI G. C. AGARWAL, PRESIDING OFFICER, CENTRAL GOVERNMEN

The Supreme Court held that a conciliation agreement under Section 18 of the Industrial Disputes Act, which was not conducted by a duly appointed officer, does not terminate the proceedings under Section 33-C(2). The Court emphasized that the acceptance of the settlement by a majority of workers does not bind those not party to the agreement unless it meets statutory requirements. The appeal by the company was dismissed, affirming the Labour Court's decision that the settlement was not valid under the Act.