METROPOLITAN TRANSPORT CORPN. vs V. VENKATESAN

The Supreme Court held that under Section 33(2)(b) and Section 33C(2) 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 Labour Court's decision to award Rs. 6,54,766/- in back wages, emphasizing that the removal from service was void due to non-compliance with procedural requirements. The appeal by the Corporation was dismissed, upholding the Labour Court's order.