ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL WORKERS vs S.D. RANE & ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the procedure followed by the investigating officer under the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971, emphasizing that the investigation must adhere to the prescribed legal framework. The Court reiterated that consent from parties does not validate an unlawful procedure, referencing previous judgments in Automobile Products of India Employees’ Union vs. Association of Engineering Workers Bombay and Association of Engineering Workers vs. Dockyard Labour Union. The appeal was dismissed as the Industrial Court's order was found to be in accordance with the law, and the prohibition under Section 14 of the Act was no longer applicable due to the passage of time.