Mohan Mahto vs M/S. Central Coal Field Ltd. & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the provisions of the National Coal Wage Agreement (N.C.W.A.) V, specifically Clause 9.3.2, are binding under Section 18(3) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which mandates the appointment of dependants of deceased coal mine employees. The Court ruled that the denial of the appellant's application for compassionate appointment on the grounds of age and delay was unjustified, as he was eligible upon attaining majority. The Court directed the respondent to reconsider the application for employment in light of the binding settlement terms.