COX & KINGS (AGENTS) LTD. vs THEIR WORKMEN AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that an 'award' under Section 2(b) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 requires a determination of an industrial dispute on its merits. The Court ruled that the Labour Court's initial reference did not constitute an award as it failed to adjudicate the merits of the dispute, leading to the conclusion that a second reference could be made within a year under Section 19(3) after proper demand notice was served. The Labour Court's decision to reinstate the workmen was upheld, as the first reference lacked the necessary attributes of an award.