SAMARJIT GHOSH vs BENNETT COLEMAN & COMPANY AND ANOTHER

The Supreme Court held that under Section 17(1) and (2) of the Working Journalists and Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955, the State Government where the newspaper employee is employed is competent to make a reference to the Labour Court for unpaid dues. The Court clarified that the location of the central or branch office determines the appropriate State Government for such applications. The appeal was allowed, and the writ petition of the respondent-company was dismissed, affirming the Labour Court's jurisdiction.