PUNJAB BEVERAGES PVT. LTD., CHANDIGARH vs SURESH CHAND AND ANR.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 33(2)(b) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, an employer must seek approval from the Industrial Tribunal before dismissing a workman when an industrial dispute is pending. The Court clarified that the failure to obtain such approval renders the dismissal void and inoperative, thus entitling the workman to wages from the date of suspension. The Court ruled in favor of the respondent, affirming the Labour Court's decision to grant wages due to the lack of approval for the dismissal.