Metropolitan Transport Corpn vs V. Venkatesan

The Supreme Court held that under Section 33(2)(b) and Section 33A of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the respondent was entitled to full back wages from December 12, 1996, to June 15, 2004, despite being gainfully employed as an advocate during that period. The Court affirmed the Industrial Tribunal's decision that the removal of the respondent was void due to lack of approval from the Tribunal, thus entitling him to all benefits as if he had continued in service. The appeal by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation was dismissed, upholding the Labour Court's order for payment of back wages.