M/S. L&T; Komatsu Ltd vs N. Udayakumar

The Supreme Court addressed the appeal concerning the reinstatement of a workman dismissed for unauthorized absence under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Court held that while the workman's misconduct was established, the punishment of dismissal was disproportionate to the offense, thus upholding the Labour Court's decision to reinstate the workman with continuity of service but without back wages. The Court emphasized the need for proportionality in disciplinary actions under Section 11A of the Act, ultimately affirming the Division Bench's ruling.