Karnataka Power Transmission ... vs The Amalgamated Electricity Co. Ltd. & ...

The Supreme Court upheld the Industrial Tribunal's award granting reinstatement and back wages to 28 workers of the Amalgamated Electricity Company Ltd. under the Karnataka Electricity Undertaking (Acquisition) Act, 1974. The Court found that the earlier reference (I.D. No. 11/71) did not bar the subsequent reference (I.D. 32/86) as the issues were distinct, and the principles of res judicata did not apply. The Court held that the refusal to allow the workers to join duty was unjustified, affirming the Tribunal's decision.