SRI. PRABHAKAR vs JOINT DIRECTOR SERICULTURE DEPARTMENT

The Supreme Court held that the delay in raising an industrial dispute under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, does not automatically invalidate the reference made by the appropriate Government, even if the dispute is raised after a significant lapse of time. The Court emphasized that while there is no statutory limitation period, the existence of a 'live' dispute is essential for the Government's jurisdiction to make a reference. The Court ultimately upheld the Labour Court's award for reinstatement, stating that the Management's plea regarding the delay was insufficient to deny relief under Section 25F of the Act.