WORKMEN EMPLOYED BY HINDUSTAN LEVER LTD. vs HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED

The Supreme Court held that the demand for confirmation in promoted posts by workmen constitutes an 'industrial dispute' under Section 2(k) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Court clarified that the classification of workmen and their promotion is not solely a managerial function, and disputes arising from the employer's failure to comply with statutory obligations can be adjudicated by the Industrial Tribunal. The appeal was allowed, and the matter was remitted to the Tribunal for a decision on the merits.