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LABOUR COURTS (PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE) RULES, 1975

LABOUR COURTS (PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE) RULES, 1975

LABOUR COURTS (PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE) RULES, 1975

PREAMBLE

In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 44 of the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971 (Maharashtra Act No. I of 1972), the Industrial Court has framed the following rules for the practice and procedure of Labour Courts:

CHAPTER I GENERAL

Rule - 1.

These rules may be called "the Labour Courts (Practice and Procedure) Rules, 1975".

In these rules unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context-

(a)      'Act' means Maharashtra Act I of 1972;

(b)      'Advocate' means a person who is qualified to be enrolled as an Advocate under the Advocate's Act and enrolled as such;

(c)      'Order sheet' (Roznama) includes the record made by the Presiding Officer of the Court or under the instructions of the Presiding Officers regarding the hearing, the interim orders passed at the hearing, and any directions for compliance given by the Presiding Officer at the hearing including the dates of subsequent hearings but it shall not include orders finally determining the dispute either wholly or partially;

(d)      'Rule' means the rules framed by the Industrial Court under Section 44 of the Act.

Rule - 2.

Words and expressions not defined by these rules shall have the same meaning assigned to them under the Act or the rules or the regulations made thereunder.

Rule - 3.

The forms set out to these rules or forms substantially to the like effect with such variations as the circumstances of each case may require, shall be used for all cases where the forms are appropriate.

Rule - 4.

All the applications except those submitted to the Court shall be presented to an officer of the Court duly authorised by the Court to receive such applications.

Rule - 5.

Application/Complaint should not be accepted unless it is verified. If it is verified and not barred by limitation, it should be registered immediately. It should be scrutinised. The officer shall examine the application and the same should be placed before the Court for orders after registering the same. Court shall fix the date for written statement and also the date for hearing of the application. Immediately after those orders are passed, but not later than three days, notices will be issued to the parties conveying the orders of the Court. Such notices shall be in Form No.8.

Rule - 5-A.

(i)       The officer scrutinising the application or complaint shall examine and determine whether-

(1)     it is in accordance with the form prescribed;

(2)     it is properly signed and duly verified;

(3)     it has been properly stamped and in case whether stamp is necessary;

(4)     it is within time;

(5)     the documents in which the parties rely have been produced alongwith the list with prescribed form and with the copies thereof and shall verify the list with the documents produced;

(6)     the necessary memo of appearance or authorisation as the case may be have been filed;

(7)     the registered address of the applicant or the complainant as the case may be has been filed;

(8)     in case the complaint is barred by limitation an application for condonation of delay and affidavit in support thereof have been filed as provided under Rule 61.

(ii)      If on verification, it is found that the application or complaint as the case may be is not in order/or is not accompanied by the documents alongwith the list and copy thereof, the Officer concerned shall place the matter before the Judge who may direct the concerned party to remedy the defect or comply with any requirements which have not been complied within a specified time.

(iii)     If the concerned party does not comply with the directions within the prescribed time or within such further time as the Court may grant, the Court may reject the application or complaint as the case may be.

Rule - 6.

If an application/complaint is received by post the officer authorised to receive such applications shall make an endorsement on the application/complaint stating the date of receipt of such application/complaint. The officer receiving an application/complaint by post shall fix a date not later than 10 days for scrutiny and verification of such applications and send an intimation of that date by a letter under certificate of posting immediately to the applicant/complainant.

Rule - 7.

Notices to the parties may be sent either by registered post acknowledgement due or served through bailiff, or by such method as ordered by the Court.

Rule - 8.

The Labour Court may on getting a complaint verified and on consideration of the allegations in the complaint order that the complaint be sent to an Investigating Officer for inquiry and report within the time fixed by the Court.

Rule - 9. Affidavit

(1)     An affidavit required to be filed before the Court shall ordinarily be drawn up in Marathi or Hindi or English. If the deponent is unable to read and understand the contents of the affidavit, the same shall be explained to him/her in language known by him/her and endorsement to that effect shall be made on the affidavit by a person identifying the deponent and known to the officer before whom the affidavit is sworn.

(2)     The identification of the deponent shall be endorsed on the affidavit by the officer in the following form:

Solemnly affirmed before me by Shri...................................................... whom I personally know/who is identified before me by Shri.........................................whom I personally know.

Signature of the Officer

(3)     If the affidavit drawn in a language other than Marathi, Hindi or English it shall be accompanied by an accurate translation in English.

(4)     The affidavit shall be sworn before an officer duly authorised in this behalf by the Court.

(5)     Every deponent shall pay a swearing fee of Re 1 for having the affidavit sworn and verified before the officer authorised for the purpose.

(6)     Swearing fee shall be paid in the form of Court fee stamps affixed to the affidavit.

(7)     The officer authorised to swear affidavits shall maintain a register in Form 13 in which entries shall be made regarding every affidavit sworn before the officer.

Rule - 10. Documents:

[1][(1) Every application or complaint made to the Court under the Act or to be filed under the Rules shall be accompanied by the documents on which the applicant, or the complainant, as the case may be, relies alongwith a list thereof and with as many copies of the documents and of lists as there are opposite parties. No document shall be accepted unless accompanied by proper list of the documents on which the parties rely.

(2) Any other relevant document which any party wishes to produce, shall be produced on or before the first date fixed for hearing alongwith a list thereof and with as many copies of the documents and the list as there are opposite parties, provided that copies of the list and the documents may not be produced for the other parties if they have been already supplied to them and receipts evidencing that produced.

(3) Any document not produced as stated above, shall not except with the permission of the Court be admissible in evidence on behalf of the party who should have produced.

(4) Nothing under this rule shall apply to any document which is sought to be produced for the purpose of cross-examining the witness or is handed over to the witness to refresh his memory.

(5) If any document is written in pencil or torn, moth-eaten or damaged in any way, a clear note to that effect must be made in the list and such document shall be brought to the notice of the judge by the clerk whose duty is to receive it and the Court may if it considered desirable ask for a true copy thereof either written in ink or typed.

(6) The list referred to above shall be in Form 9-A.

CHAPTER II APPEARANCE IN COURT

Rule - 11. Appearance before the LabourCourt.

A party to any proceeding, an employer, an employee, a trade union for the members employed in an undertaking or the owner of the undertaking or any other person impleaded to a proceeding may appear in person or may be represented by (1) a duly authorised advocate, (2) an office bearer of the union of which the employee is a member or (3) a member of a recognised union duly authorised by it in writing, or (4) an officer who is a whole time employee of the employer, authorised by such employer to represent the employer.

Rule - 12. A party to a proceeding may enter appearance by filing a memorandum of appearance.

Any other person claiming to represent a party to a proceeding, viz., an employer, an employee, a recognised union or a trade union shall file authority to appear in Form 2. Memorandum of appearance by a party shall be in Form 1.

Rule - 13.

No person claiming to represent a party to a proceeding shall be allowed to appear or act until the authority prescribed under Rule 12 has been filed. Such authority shall be filed at or before the first hearing of the proceedings, and subsequently with the permission of the Court.

Rule - 14.

A person authorised to appear shall be bound by the directions of the Court and shall be deemed to represent the person for whom he is authorised to appear throughout the proceedings.

Rule - 15.

Statements and acts of the representative authorised to appear shall be binding on the persons authorising such representative to appear in the proceedings.

Rule - 16.

A representative appearing under the authority of another person may apply for withdrawal from appearance by an application in writing filed before the Court. The Court may allow the withdrawal of such person after such inquiry as may be necessary. Until permission is granted for withdrawal of appearance a person authorised to appear shall continue to represent the person authorising such person to appear. Such an application for withdrawal can be filed only after service of notice of at least one week of the proposed withdrawal on the party represented asking that party to make its arrangement for appearance in the proceedings. Office copy of such notice with acknowledgement shall be produced alongwith the withdrawal application.

Rule - 17.

A member of the recognised union duly authorised to act by it in writing to appear or act on behalf of such union in any proceeding before the Court shall be entitled to get a certificate for every date of attendance from the Court. Such certificate shall be in Form No.3.

Rule - 18.

An officer of the State Government duly authorised by the State Government to appear in any proceeding before the Court under Section 36 of the Act, shall file the memorandum of appearance in Form-4.

Rule - 19.

The officer of the State Government duly authorised by the State Government under Section 36 of the Act, shall give notice of intention to appear in the proceeding before the Court in Form 5.

Rule - 20.

An Investigating Officer intending to appear in any proceeding before the Court shall file a memorandum of appearance in Form 6.

Rule - 21. Registered Address

A party to a proceeding or any other person impleaded to the proceeding before the Court shall file at the time of entering appearance address called "the registered address" at which all communications, notices, summonses etc., may be sent. A notice or a summons or a communication sent to such registered address or tendered at such registered address shall be deemed to have been sent to the proper address. The registered address shall be valid throughout the proceeding and for a period of 2 years after the final order in the proceeding has been made. The Registered address shall be in Form 7.

Rule - 22.

If there is a change of address the party which has filed the original registered address shall file a fresh address intimating the change and in the absence of any such intimation the address on the record shall continue to be the official address of the party to which communications may be sent.

Rule - 23.

A notice to the opponent/opponents shall be in Form 8.

Rule - 24.

Notice to any person for appearance before the Court shall be in Form 9.

Rule - 25.

A party desiring that a summons may be issued to any person for appearance before the Court as a witness or for making a statement shall make an application in writing to that effect before the Court giving the full name and address to which the summons is to be sent.

Rule - 26.

On the Court ordering issue of summons or notice, the party at whose instance summons or notice is to be issued shall file within 3 days of the order process fee for issuing and service of the summons or notice on each person at the rates specified in the annexed Table "A".

Rule - 27.

The process fee shall be paid in the form of Court fee stamps.

Rule - 28.

Where summons is issued to a person for appearing as a witness before the Court, the party at whose instance summons is issued shall deposit within week from the date of the Court's order with the officer of the Court, daily allowance and travelling allowance at least for one day at the rate mentioned in the annexed Table 'B' for daily allowance and travelling allowance alongwith process fee for each witness. Such daily allowance and travelling allowance shall be paid alongwith the process fee for issuing summons.

Rule - 29.

The summons shall not be issued unless process fee, daily allowance and travelling allowance as prescribed are paid within the prescribed time or further extended time by the Court or the officer duly authorised. The officer duly authorised may on application submitted in that respect extend time to pay process fees, daily allowance and travelling allowance on satisfactory grounds. Such extension shall in no case be more than two weeks.

Rule - 30.

The Officer receiving the daily allowance and travelling allowances shall immediately pass a receipt for the amount paid to the party depositing the allowances in Form 10.

Rule - 31.

If the process fee and daily allowance and travelling allowance are not paid within time fixed by the rules and the person summoned as a witness is not served on that account the party at whose instance the summons has been issued shall not ordinarily be entitled to an adjournment for securing the presence of witness.

Rule - 32.

A summons may be issued for production of documents in Form 11.

Rule - 33.

A party applying for summons for production of documents shall make an application clearly stating the details of the documents and relevancy thereof required to be produced by the person summoned. On such application being allowed the party shall pay process fee for issuing summons for production of documents as prescribed by these Rules. The party shall furnish a spare copy of the application to be sent to the witness alongwith the summons.

Rule - 34.

On receipt of the process fee, a summons for production of documents shall be issued within four days from the receipt of prescribed fees. A copy of the application for summons shall be enclosed with the summons, which shall mention the date on which the documents are required to be produced before the Court.

Rule - 35.

Documents including affidavits and applications would be accepted by the Court only when copies thereof are furnished for service on the other party/parties.

Rule - 35-A.

(1)     Any person desiring to obtain certified copies of any records including copies of any award, decree or order of a Labour Court may make an application in writing to the Labour Court.

(2)     On receipt of such application and on payment of fees for copying a document at the rate of 50 paise per hundred words or fraction thereof, a copy of the document shall be supplied by the Labour Court.

(3)     Urgent certified copies of the documents may be supplied on payment of one and half times the fees payable under Clause (2) above.

(4)     No copy shall be granted of any notes recorded by the Court for its own use or of any exhibit or document which the Court may consider to be confidential.

Rule - 36. Commissions:

The Court may issue commission to any person or to the Investigating Officer for examination of witnesses on commission. The commission shall be in Form 12.

Rule - 37.

A party may apply for examination of witness of commissioner in writing. Whenever it is ordered that witness shall be examined on commission the party so desiring to lead such evidence shall pay the prescribed process fee and daily allowance and travelling allowances as the case may be for examination of witnesses cited by it before the Commissioner or as per rules.

Rule - 38.

Ordinarily parties will themselves produce their witnesses to be examined on their behalf before the Commissioner. In case of party desires a summons to be issued to a person to be examined as witness, application may be made for issue of summons within 3 days of the order, appointing the Commissioner of fixing the date for evidence alongwith necessary process fee in Court fee stamps and the amount of travelling allowance and daily allowance at least for one day. If a witness summons is not served on account of lapses or delay in payment of the process fee or above said allowances, the party concerned shall not ordinarily be entitled to an adjournment for recording the evidence of such witness.

Rule - 39.

The Court may decide either to record evidence itself or issue commission for recording evidence of witnesses.

Rule - 40.

The Court may require any fact to be proved by affidavits and pass order to that effect.

Rule - [41.

(i)       On an order for issuing Commission for examination for witnesses being passed, the selection of the Commissioner shall be made by the Judge himself. Commission which can suitably be allotted to a Junior Lawyer or representative should be so allotted to such juniors. For this purpose a panel may be formed and fair and equitable distribution should be made.

(ii)      Where an order for issue of commission is passed the Judge shall after consulting the parties or their lawyers or representatives and after taking into account the probable length of time and execution of the commission is likely to take, fix the initial fees of the Commissioner and direct the deposit of the same in the Court within a specified time. The Court shall also specify which party shall deposit such fee and wherever necessary in what proportion and within what time. On depositing such fee within one week thereto or within the time allotted by the Court, commission shall be issued to the person appointed as Commissioner. If necessary the Judge may from time to time direct that any further sum be deposited in Court by the party or parties concerned. The Commissioner shall not accept any payment directly from the party. The fees or the travelling allowance if any shall be drawn by them from the Court.

(iii)     The Commissioner shall examine the witnesses as expeditiously as possible after duly intimating the date, time and place for examination of witnesses fixed by the Commissioner to the parties.

(iv)    When a party fails to appear on the day and at the place and the hour fixed for examination or fails to apply for time, the Commissioner should proceed ex parte. He can also proceed ex parte, if he is of opinion that adjournment is sought on frivolous or unreasonable grounds.

(v)      Whenever the Commissioner disallows any question put to a witness, he shall record such question and answer thereto but the same shall not be admitted as evidence except when the Judge before whom the deposition is put in evidence so directs.

(vi)    The Commissioner shall furnish to the parties copies of the evidence recorded from day to day, on payment of normal charges for the same. After recording all the evidence, the Commissioner shall within one week, forward the evidence recorded by him alongwith his report and the bill for his fees to the Court, either by registered post or by hand delivery on obtaining the acknowledgement for the same.

(vii)   Whenever the witness to be examined is a resident beyond the jurisdiction of the Court, the Commissioner shall ordinarily be addressed to the Court, within whose jurisdiction the witness resides.

(viii)  When a Commission is issued to a Court, the amount deposited by a party for defraying of the expenses shall also be transmitted to the Court, to which the commission is issued.][2]

Rule - 42.

The Commissioner shall examine the witnesses as expeditiously as possible after duly intimating the date for examination of witnesses fixed by the Commissioner to the parties. The Commissioner shall furnish to the parties copies of the evidence recorded from day to day on payment of normal charges for the same. After recording of evidence is over the Commissioner shall within one week forward the evidence recorded by him alongwith his report and the bill for his fees to the Court, either by registered post or by hand delivery on obtaining acknowledgement for the same.

Order Sheets

(Roznamas)

Rule - [43.

(1)     Each Judge shall maintain an order sheet to be called the Roznama for each proceeding before him.

(2)     The Roznama must clearly show the course of the proceeding from the beginning to the end in chronological order. It must show in concise form the progress of the proceeding from day to day. The reason for every adjournment shall be stated. The Roznama must be a faithful, complete, and concise history of the case and of all proceedings taken therein. It must contain a correct list and description of the exhibits, the date of delivery of the different orders passed in the proceedings and of any application for amendment of any order. It must show in chronological order all proceedings, if any, subsequent to the passing of the final order and must also contain a note of other proceeding such as Commissioner's report, if any etc.

(3)     It shall be the duty of the clerk attached to the Court to see that the Roznama of each day has been properly drawn up and to place the same before the said Presiding Judge for his signature as far as possible on the same day. Every document admitted in evidence and exhibited must be mentioned in the Roznama in chronological order. The description of the document and the date of the document must also be mentioned in the Roznama. At the end of the Roznama of each proceeding the Clerk attached to the Court shall make a note that all Court fee stamps produced therein have been punched and must sign the note.

Rule - 44.

[*****]

Rule - 45. Adjournments.

A party to a proceeding shall comply with the orders of the Court within the time fixed in the order. An adjournment will not ordinarily be granted except for good and sufficient cause. If the party requires a proceeding to be adjourned on account of his failure or default the adjournment may be granted subject to such terms and payment of costs as the court may order. Ordinarily cases fixed for recording evidence shall not be adjourned merely on account of absence of some of the witnesses to be examined.

[3][(A) (i).- When a case has been duly instituted, a notice may be issued to the respondent to appear and answer the claim and to file the written statement of his defence, if any, within thirty days from the date of service of notice on that respondent:

Provided that no such notice shall be issued when a respondent has appeared at the presentation of case and admitted the complainant's/ applicant's claim:

Provided further that where the respondent fails to file the written statement within the said period of thirty days, he shall be allowed to file the same on such other day as may be specified by the Court, for reasons to be recorded in writing, but which shall not be later than ninety days from the date of service of notice.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything contained hereinabove, the Court may, if sufficient cause is shown, at any stage of the case grant time to the parties or to any of them, and may from time to time adjourn the hearing of the case for reasons to be recorded in writing:

Provided that, no such adjournment shall be granted more than three times to a party during hearing of the case.][4]

Rule - 46.

A party desiring adjournment of a hearing shall apply sufficiently in advance with notice not less than 24 hours to the opposite side.

Rule - [46-A.

The granting of adjournment is a matter within the discretion of the Court. The Court is not ordinarily bound to grant an adjournment and before granting, it should require reasons to be stated unless it makes an adjournment of its own motion.

Rule - 46-B.

The Presiding Judge should be strict in granting adjournment. Mere convenience of the lawyer or representatives or parties is not sufficient ground for granting adjournment. Where two or more Advocates or Representatives appear for a party in a proceeding no adjournment should ordinarily be granted on the ground that either of them is engaged elsewhere.

Rule - 46-C.

(1)     The party has no right to seek an adjournment for obtaining stay merely because it has filed an appeal or other proceedings in a superior court or elsewhere or intends to file one.

(2)     The Presiding Judge while granting adjournment may exercise of his discretion award costs against the parties seeking adjournment.

Ordinarily the adjournment cost should not be out of proportion of the claim in the proceedings, nor should they be disproportionately low. They should be adequate to compensate the party affected by the adjournment.

(3)     Where the illness of a pleader or his inability to conduct the case for any reason is put forward as a ground for adjournment, the Court shall not grant the adjournment unless it is satisfied that the party applying for adjournment could not have engaged another pleader in time.

(4)     Where a witness is present in Court but a party or his pleader is not present or the party or his pleader though present in Court is not ready to examine or cross examine, the witness, the Court may, if it thinks fit, record the statement of the witness and pass such orders as it thinks fit dispensing with the examination-in-Chief or cross examination of the witness, as the case may be, by the party or his pleader not present or not ready as aforesaid.

Explanation.- Where the evidence or a substantial portion of the evidence of any party has already been recorded and such party fails to appear on any day to which the hearing of the suit is adjourned, the Court may, in its discretion, proceed with the case as if such party were present.

(5)     When a party applies for a process or deposits the diet money too late to allow the witness being served in time to reach the Court on the date fixed for hearing, no adjournment should ordinarily be granted to the parties for a second opportunity to produce the witness. If a party fails to produce a witness whom it has undertaken to produce on a particular date it should not be ordinarily given a second opportunity to produce any.

(6)     After the examination of witnesses has begun the adjournment if found necessary should be for a day or for very short interval.

(7)     Arguments should be heard immediately after the evidence is closed and a case, unless it is lengthy and complicated, should not as a rule be adjourned for arguments. After all the evidence has been adduced, if any adjournment is necessary, the reasons should be recorded by the Presiding Judge and it should never be for a long period. Arguments should not, except for good reasons, be heard piece-meal and where it is found necessary to adjourn a case for the hearing of further arguments, the adjournment should ordinarily be to the next working day.

(8)     A case once closed and adjourned for argument should never be to be re-opened by allowing parties to produce evidence unless for good cause clearly established to the satisfaction of the Judge.][5]

Rule - 47.

Where a proceeding is required to be adjourned either at the request of the parties or otherwise the order sheet shall briefly record the reason for such adjournment.

Rule - [48.

(1)     Ordinarily judgments, decisions and orders should be delivered immediately after the arguments are heard and in every case within 15 days of the completion of the arguments.

(2)     Judgments, decisions and orders should be pronounced in open Court. If not dictated in open Court the date on which it is to be pronounced must be notified.

(3)     Every judgment, order or decision should be paragraphed and duly numbered.

(4)     When a judgment or order or decision is type written every sheet shall bear the initials of the Presiding Judge and his signature at the end alongwith his designation.

(5)     No addition or alteration shall be made thereto other than a clerical or arithmetical mistake arising from accidental slips or omissions][6].

Rule - [48-A.

(1)     Every judgment, order, decision and proceeding should be written only on foolscap paper leaving the margin blank.

(2)     All applications, complaints, affidavits, and other proceedings including copies of documents presented to the Court shall be written in ink, type written or cyclostyled fairly and legibly on foolscap paper of good quality having at least 1/4th margin blank. Both the sides of the paper may be used provided it does not affect the legibility of the matter. Any document not in conformity with this will not be accepted. Wherever the proceedings is likely to be time barred on account of the rejection of the document or where sufficient reason is shown for so doing the document may be accepted on the party undertaking to file a properly prepared copy thereto within a stated period.][7]

Rule - 49.

The Court may pass order regarding payment of costs incurred by a party to be paid by the, other party. If there is no order as to the payment of costs no party shall be entitled to recovery of costs. A party shall ordinarily be entitled to costs for summoning witnesses, producing of documents and adjournments but not to costs for engaging legal practitioners.

CHAPTER III RULES UNDER SECTION 24 RELATING TO NOTICE OF STRIKE OR LOCK-OUT

Rule - 50.

A union desiring that its members in an undertaking should go on strike of any type shall give a notice in Form (9) of the Rules to the employer of the undertaking. The notice shall be sent to the employer by registered post A.D. No Notice shall be given in respect of the proposed strike, unless the decision to go on such strike is affirmatively taken by a vote in favour of going on such strike by "majority of members" of the union who are employed in the undertaking in which it is proposed to go on strike. Votes shall be recorded at such meeting by ballot, if ballot is demanded.

Rule - 51.

If the members of a recognised union decide to go on strike of any type, such decision shall be taken at a meeting of the general body of the members of the union convened expressly for the purpose. Notice of such meeting shall be served on every member of the union who is an employee of the undertaking in which it is proposed to go on strike. Votes shall be recorded at such meeting by ballot, if ballot is demanded.

Rule - 52.

For the purpose of Rule 50 "majority of members" means majority of all the employees in the undertaking who are validly members of the union on the date of the decision to go on strike, whether all such members are present at the meeting or not.

Rule - 53.

The Executive Committee of a recognised union shall maintain true and accurate minutes of the proceedings of the meeting of the general body of the employees convened for taking decision whether the employees should go on the proposed strike in the undertaking.

Rule - 54.

An employer desiring to commence a lock-out shall give notice to the employees in the undertaking in Form-J of the rules. If there is no recognised union of employees in the undertaking, the employer who desires to commence a lock-out, the notice of the proposed lock-out shall be affixed on usual notice Board in the language understood by majority of employees and also in English and also shall be given to every employee in the undertaking and also to any union of employees in the undertaking.

CHAPTER IV PROCEDURE IN REFERENCE UNDER SECTION 25 FOR ILLEGAL STRIKE OR ILLEGAL LOCK-OUT

Rule - 55.

Reference under Section 25 of the Act shall be made by application in Form No.14 or Form No.15 as the case may be.

Rule - 56.

Before making application under Rule 55 to the Labour Court a copy of such application shall be served by the applicant on the party against whom reference is to be made, and acknowledgement of receipt of such copy shall be filed with the application, or sent by registered post and postal receipt produced.

Rule - 57.

(1)     On receipt of reference under Section 25 of the Act the Labour Court shall immediately fix date of the reference, which should be as early.

as possible and shall issue notice mentioning the date of hearing to the opposite party/parties. Such notice shall be in Form (15-A).

(2)     Where a reference is filed under Section 25 for the decision of Labour Court and the employees affected are numerous persons having the same interest, the Court may permit one or more such employees to appear and to defend the application on behalf of all the employees so interested, in case no recognised union exists in the concerned undertaking.

(3)     In all cases covered by sub-rule (2), including those in which a union appears the Labour Court shall also direct notice of the filing of the reference to be given to all such employees at the applicant's expense either by personal service or where from the number of employees or any other cause such service is not reasonably practicable, by public advertisement and by causing the notice with its translation in a regional language to be affixed by the applicant at the entrance through which the majority of employees enter the premises for their work. The person affixing the notice and publishing the advertisement shall file an affidavit in the Court of his having done so. Provided that in cases where the recognised union exists public advertisement need not be issued. General Notice to be published shall be in Form No. 15-B.

Rule - 58.

Reference under Section 25 of the Act shall be heard and disposed of as far as possible within one week from the receipt of the reference, unless for good and sufficient cause it is found necessary to extend the time for disposal of the reference.

Rule - 59.

(i)       The decision of the Labour Court on a reference under section 25 of the Act shall be pronounced in open Court immediately after hearing is over or on a date to be fixed by the Court and intimated to the parties.

(ii)      A copy of the order shall be pasted on the Court's notice board. A copy of the order shall also be sent to such officer as may be designated by the State Government in references made by the State Government.

CHAPTER V COMPLAINTS RELATING TO ANY UNFAIR LABOUR PRACTICES

Rule - [60.

(1)     A complaint regarding any unfair labour practice shall be initiated in Form 16.

(2)     In respect of unfair labour practice complained of a concise statement of the material facts constituting it and the date of the occurrence thereof and the name of the person or persons or unions guilty thereof shall be specifically and separately stated in the complaint.

(3)     Every person or union who it is alleged is guilty of any unfair labour practice, shall be impleaded in the complaint. The complaint must specifically and separately disclose the unfair labour practice each such person or union is guilty of, the specific facts constituting that unfair labour practice in regard to the particular person or union and the date of the occurrence of that unfair labour practice.

Rule - 61.

If a complaint under Section 28 covers any unfair labour practice which occurred more than 90 days before the date the complaint was filed, the complainant shall file alongwith the complaint a separate application, for condonation of delay. That application shall disclose separately and specifically each unfair labour practice which occurred more than 90 days after the complaint was filed and in respect of which condonation of delay is sought, the date of the occurrence thereof and the reasons for condonation of delay in respect thereof. Such an application shall be supported by an affidavit.

Rule - 62.

Complaints under Section 28(i) of the Act shall be scrutinised by the officer of the Court authorised to receive them, and shall place the same before the Court for orders with his remarks on the scrutiny form within four days from the date of filing.

Rule - 63.

The Investigating Officer shall follow the directions issued by the Labour Court and may seek further directions from the Labour Court, if he finds such directions necessary.

Rule - 64.

On receipt of report of the Investigating Officer under Section 28(5) of the Act the Labour Court shall hear the complaint and shall pass such orders as the Court thinks fit.

Rule - 65.

If under Section 28(6) of the Act the Court decides to proceed with the complaint, notice shall be issued to the Respondent and to such other persons whose presence the Court considers necessary for full and fair inquiry into the complaint. The notice shall be in Form 8.

Rule - 66.

The complaint shall in cases falling under Section 28(6) of the Act pay process fee within three days of the Court's order directing the complaint to be proceeded with Court may in proper cases extend time to pay process fees, but in no case for more than two weeks.

Rule - 67.

On receipt of a notice except in cases falling under Sections 38 to 43 of the Act, the person receiving the notice may file a written statement setting out his case atleast 8 days before the date of hearing mentioned in the notice, or within the time fixed by the Court, whichever is earlier.

Rule - 68.

The parties shall as far as possible produce documents sought to be relied upon alongwith complaints, applications, initiating a proceeding and written statement. They may produce additional documents, if any, on the first day of hearing also or within such extended time as may be permitted by Court. Parties shall not ordinarily be allowed to produce documents after recording of oral evidence is complete and the case is ready for arguments, excluding arguments on preliminary points if the same are separately submitted.

Rule - 69.

Order of the Court under Section 28(7) of the Act shall be in writing and it shall be published by affixing a copy of the order on the notice board of the Court. The order shall be pronounced in the open Court on a date to be fixed by the Court for that purpose, unless the order is dictated in open Court. The order shall bear the date on which it is pronounced, and it shall also contain a direction as to the date from which the order becomes enforceable. In absence of such direction the order shall be enforceable from the date of the order.

Rule - 70.

If the Court on hearing the parties before it decides that the presence of any other party is necessary before the Court, it may by specific order direct such party to be impleaded as a party to the proceeding. On such order being passed notice with a copy of such order shall be issued to the person so impleaded. Such notice shall be in Form No. 8.

Rule - 71.

(i)       An order under Section 28(8) of the Act shall be published by affixing a copy of the order on the notice board of the Court, having regard to the importance of the order. The Court may also direct that the order shall be published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette. A copy of any such order shall be forwarded to the Government and to the Commissioner of Labour Court, Bombay.

(ii)      A copy of such order as specified under Rule 26(2) framed under the Act, shall also be sent to other authorities as mentioned in that Rule.

Rule - 72.

(i)       An application for interim relief under Section 30(2) of the Act may be filed by a party to a proceeding before the Court, a copy of such application with supporting affidavit shall be served on the party against whom interim relief is claimed, if such party has appeared before the Court.

(ii)      If the party against whom interim relief is sought has not entered appearance till the date of the application for interim relief is filed, notice shall be issued to that party directing it to show cause within the time mentioned in the notice why interim relief asked for should not be granted. Notice shall also specify the date fixed for hearing the application for interim relief. Such notice shall be in Form 16-A.

Rule - 73.

The order for interim relief shall be pronounced in open Court in presence of the parties on the date fixed for hearing application for such relief or on a date fixed for delivery of the order.

Rule - 74.

The order on the application for interim relief may be published by affixing a copy thereof on the notice board of the Court.

Rule - 75.

[8][(1) Where in any action filed under the Act, it is proved by affidavit or other evidence that any of the parties to the action has committed and/or there is a reasonable apprehension that it would commit an Unfair Labour Practice, so as to frustrate the lawful right of the other party, the Court may, on proof of prima facie case in favour of the concerned party, grant temporary injunction to restrain commission of such Unfair Labour Practice and/or make such order for the purpose of stay and preventing such apprehended Unfair Labour Practice until the disposal of the action or until the further orders, after considering the caveat, if any, filed by the parties.

(2)   In passing any such orders, the Court will also consider the comparative hardships which may be caused to the parties, and also whether it would be equitable to pass any such order.

(3)   Subject to Section 31, the Court will not ordinarily grant ex parte ad-interim injunction or order:

Provided that the party seeking such ex parte ad-interim relief should state what steps it has taken to give notice to the other party about such application and in case when no such notice of injunction is given or has reached the other party, to state in the Application itself the grounds as to why it has not done so, and about the exigencies of the matter, and in such a case, if satisfied, the Court may pass an ex-parte, ad- interim injunction or the order, in exceptional circumstances:

Provided also that the Court shall also state the grounds why such order is required to be passed without a hearing or issuing advance notice to the other side.

(4)    The Court passing such ad-interim ex-parte order shall mention in the order of duration for which the Order would remain in force, which shall not be beyond 15 days from the date of passing the order.

(5)    Any party aggrieved by such an injunction order may apply for having that the order set aside, after giving 48 hours notice to the other party which obtained an interim relief. However, in case of exigencies shown from the affidavit or other evidence, Court may, without notice or without hearing the other side, stay the order which it has already passed and also mention in the order the duration for which such a stay order will be operative. It should also mention in that order why no notice of the application for stay could be given to the other party].

Rule - 76.

Application for interim relief shall be supported by affidavit relating to facts mentioned in the application.

Rule - 77.

Every application complaining against an unfair labour practice presented to Labour Court shall state whether any proceeding relating to the facts constituting of the alleged unfair labour practice is pending before the State Government or a Tribunal or Labour Court or any other authority under Industrial Law. While passing orders Court shall take into account pendency of such proceedings.

CHAPTER VI EX-PARTE PROCEEDINGS

Rule - 78.

(i)       Alongwith application under Section 31(2) of the Act the applicant shall file affidavit in support of the grounds for getting the ex-parte order set aside.

(ii)      A notice of hearing of the application for setting aside the ex parte order shall be served on the party who is entitled to be heard. Such notice shall be in Form 17.

Rule - 79.

The Court may under Section 31 (2) of the Act set aside ex parte order on such terms as to costs and other conditions as it considers necessary.

CHAPTER VII TRIAL OF OFFENCES UNDER SECTIONS 38, 41, 47 AND 49

Rule - 80.

A complaint shall be in Form 18. The complaint shall contain a statement of all the material facts, the date of commission of the offence or offences alleged, the name of the person/persons alleged to have committed the offence, the manner and extent to which the act or omission complained of affects the complainant, and also the names and addresses of all persons on whose evidence the complainant proposes to rely in support of the complaint. Complaint should be presented to the Court which shall follow the procedure under sections 200 and 202 of [9][Criminal Procedure Code, 1974.][10]

Rule - 81.

(i)       The complainant shall file with the complaint documents on which he seeks to rely alongwith a properly drawn up list of such documents.

(ii)      Where a complaint is in respect of any failure to comply with an order under section 30 (1) (b) or under section 30 (2) of the Act, the complainant shall file with the complaint a certified copy of the order which it is alleged has not been complied with.

Rule - 82.

(i)       After the court passes orders on the complaint presented to it, the complaint shall be registered and summons/notice/process shall be issued as per orders of the Court.

(ii)      The summons shall be in Form 18-A.

Rule - 83.

The summons shall be served either by registered post acknowledgement due or by tendering the summons to the person summoned to appear by or through the bailiff or by such persons as may be specifically authorised by the Court.

Rule - 84.

Every copy of the summons or warrant of arrest shall be accompanied by a copy of the complaint with annexures, if any, which shall be served on the accused.

Rule - 85.

The complainant or an accused person may be represented by an Advocate or an officer of a trade union of which the complainant is a member or by a recognised union for the undertaking in which the complainant is employed, or by a full time officer of the employer, or an office bearer of an employer's association, as the case may be.

Rule - 86.

Any person appearing on behalf of the complainant shall file his authority to appear in Form 1. Nobody shall be allowed to appear for the complainant or an accused unless an authority in that behalf has been filed.

Rule - 87.

Each party shall file a list of witnesses to be examined and shall indicate which witnesses will be produced by the party and which witnesses are required to be summoned.

Rule - 88.

Complainant as well as the accused shall ordinarily produce his witnesses. Complainant or accused may apply for summons if he is unable to produce his witnesses.

Rule - 89.

If any party desires the assistance of the Court for securing the attendance of witnesses, an application will be made issuing summons to such person giving the full name and correct address of each witness. Such application shall be filed within 3 days from the date fixed for recording evidence. Alongwith the application parties shall pay process fee and daily allowance and travelling allowance as per rules. If the process fee and daily allowance and travelling allowance is not paid in time the summons may be issued at the risk of the party and no adjournment shall be granted if the summons is not served on the account.

Rule - 90.

If a person duly served with a witness summons remains absent the party at whose instance summons was issued may make an application for warrant of arrest of such person to secure his attendance as a witness in Form 19.

Rule - 91.

If the accused does not execute a bond or does not appear on the date fixed, or does not obtain stay from the Industrial Court, the order of the Labour Court granting stay shall stand vacated. Form of Bond shall be in Form 20.

CHAPTER VIII PROCEDURE FOR MAKING COMPLAINTS TO MAGISTRATES UNDER SEC.48(2) AND 48(3) AND FOR TAKING COGNIZANCE OF AND REPORT OF CONTEMPT OF THE LABOUR COURT UNDER SECTION 48

Rule - 92.

In cases falling under Section 48(2) and/or Section 48(3) of the Act, Labour Court shall record the facts that took place in view of or in the presence of the Presiding Judge of such Court. The Court may also record statement of any other person necessary for the proceeding under Section 48(2) or Section 48(3) of the Act.

Rule - 93.

If the person committing offence under Section 48 is present in the Court, the Court shall record the statement of such person as provided by Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973.

Rule - 94.

If the person committing offence under Section 48 of the Act is not present in Court, notice shall be issued to such person calling upon him to show cause why proper action under Section 48 of the Act should not be taken against him in view of the facts noted in notice. When such person appears before the Court his statement as provided by Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 shall be recorded. Notice shall be in Form 21.

Rule - 95.

The Security Bond contemplated by Section 48(4) of the Act shall be in Form 20.

Rule - 96.

(a)      If in the opinion of Court a person has committed contempt of Court under Section 48 of the Act, the Court may on its own motion or on the application by any person, initiate proceeding under Section 48 of the Act and shall submit report in that behalf to the Industrial Court or the High Court, as the case may be.

(b)      The Court shall record facts constituting such contempts. The Court shall also record the statement of the person committing contempt, if such person is present before the Court, and statement of any other person/persons acquainted with the relevant facts and circumstances in which the contempt was committed. The report to be submitted to the Industrial Court or the High Court, as the case may be, shall be accompanied by statement of facts constituting the contempt of Court, alongwith the statements recorded by the Court, if any and such other documents as may be relevant for such report.

(c)      In cases falling under section 48(7) of the Act Labour Court shall hear the parties concerned before submitting report to Industrial Court.

CHAPTER IX PROCEDURE FOR RECOVERY OF MONEYS OF EMPLOYEES UNDER SECTION 50 OF THE ACT

Rule - 97.

(a)      An application for recovery of money under Section 50 of the Act shall be made to the Court which passed the order. Such application shall be in Form No.22

(b)      Application under second proviso to Section 50 of the Act shall be accompanied by an affidavit setting out grounds why the application under Section 50 of the Act was not made in time.

Rule - 98.

On receiving applications for recovery notice shall be issued to the opponent/opponents to show cause against the application. The notice shall be in Form 23.

Rule - 99.

(i)       On the date fixed for hearing the Court may hold such inquiry as it thinks fit, and if the Court is satisfied that the amount sought to be recovered or part thereof is due to the employee, certificate under section 50 of the Act shall be issued in Form 24.

(ii)      Certificate thus issued under Section 50 of the Act shall be entered in a register to be maintained in Form 24.

Rule - 100.

The Collector to whom certificate under Section 50 of the Act is issued shall intimate to the Court which issued the certificate the progress of recovery and payment made to the party entitled to the amount periodically, but in any case not later than every six months from the date of receipt of the certificate.

Rule - 101.

It shall be the duty of the Clerk in-charge of maintaining the register in Form No.25 to see that relevant entries are made in the register about recovery as soon as information in that respect if received from the Collector.

CHAPTER X PERIODICAL RETURNS BY A RECOGNISED UNION

Rule - 102.

Every recognised union shall submit return of its membership to the Industrial Court and also to the Labour Court in whose jurisdiction the registered office of the recognised union is located. Return shall be in Form 29. Such return shall be submitted by registered post A.D. in January and July of every calendar year commencing from the date of recognition of the Union as a recognised union under the Act. Industrial Court, as well as Labour Court shall maintain year-wise file of such returns. Immediately on receipt of such return under Section 52 of the Act entry shall be made in the register maintained in respect of such returns.

TABLE 'A'

Fees Chargeable in Industrial Court/Labour Court in respect of processes, etc.


Name of process, etc.

Applications, Appeals or not

 

otherwise Complaints,

 

Proceedings provided for


 

Rs. P.

I. For each Summons or Notice-

 

(a) To a single defendant, respondent or

2.00

witness.

 

(b) To every additional defendant, respon-

1.00

dent or witness residing in the same vil-

 

lage or town or within the same

 

Municipal limits if the processes be ap-

 

plied for at the same time.

 

II. For every warrant-

 

(a) Of arrest in respect of every person to

4.00

be arrested.

 


Note (i)-Where a summons or notice to a defendant or respondent is to be served by post registered for acknowledgement, the process fee levied shall in no case be less than the actual amount required for registration and postage.

Note (ii)-With the sanction of the Court any party may pay the cost of proceeding by railway or any public conveyance where such conveyance is available and in such case the process-server shall be bound to proceed by such railway or public conveyance.

Note (iii)-No fee is to be charged for any process issued by a Court of its own motion.

TABLE 'B'

Rules regarding payment of Daily allowance and Travelling allowance to witnesses

(1)     Rule 26 provides that processes shall be served at the expense of the party on whose behalf they are issued unless the Court otherwise directs and that the Court-fees chargeable shall be paid within the time fixed by the Court.

(2)     For the purpose of payment of daily allowance, witnesses are divided into the following classes:-

Class I.-Professional men of high position, Members of Parliament and of the State Legislatures, large land owners and owners of big business organisation and upper grade employees in business organisations, Corporations and Local Bodies, and Class I Government Officials who are required to attend the Court in their private capacity.

Class II.- Members of local bodies, ordinary professional and businessmen; land owners other than small farmers; junior employees in business organisation in Corporations and Local Bodies in corresponding grades and Class II Government Officials who are required to attend the Court in their private capacity.

Class III.- Artisans, Clerks, Small Land Owners, Village Officers and Officers in lower grades of Corporations, local bodies and business organisations and Class III Government Officials who are required to attend the Court in their private capacity.

Class IV.- Labourers, petty shop-keepers, pedlars and persons others than those in the above classes and class IV Government Servants who are required to attend the Court in their private capacity.

(3)     The daily allowance for the various classes should be as follows:

Sr.

No.

Class

Revised rates (Rs.Ps.)

(1)

 

(2)

(3)

1

 

Class-I

[11][150.00

2

 

Class-II

130.00

3

 

Class-III

115.00

4

 

Class-IV

100.00]

(4)     In special cases, and in particular where a person is being examined as an expert, the Court may require such sums as appear reasonable to be paid to a witness. The reasons for ordering payment of higher amounts should be recorded by the Court.

 

(5)     Daily allowance shall be given not only for the period of actual attendance but also for any reasonable time spent in the journey to and from the Court, the ordinary mode of conveyance available being taken into consideration. When the journey is made on foot, 15 miles a day shall be reckoned as the day's journey and daily allowance should be paid accordingly.

 

(6)     Travelling expenses will be granted according to the rates specified below in all cases in which the Court deems such expenses to be reasonable having due regard to the distance to be traversed and the position and circumstances of the witness:

(i)       When the journey is by road, the actual expenses incurred provided the same be reasonable.

 

(ii)      When the journey is wholly or partly by rail or steamer:

(a) Witness of Class I

First Class Railway Fare.

(b) Witness of Class II and Class III

Second Class Railway Fare.

(c) Witness of Class IV

Second Class Railway Fare.

(7)     Peculiar cases not provided for in the above rules are to be dealt with according to their own merits and at the discretion of the Court from which daily allowance or the travelling allowance is demanded.

 

(8)     Witnesses produced under warrants of arrest should receive daily allowance at the appropriate rates specified in Rule 3 above.

 

(9)     When Government as a party to a case asks for a summons to one of its servants for appearance in Court as a witness it is not required to deposit in Court anything on account of daily allowance and travelling allowance of the witness. In no case should any money deposited by a party for calling a Government Servant as a witness accompany the summons.

Fees to Chartered Accountant:

(10)   The fee to be paid to a Chartered Accountant or his qualified Assistant for each day spent in attending a Court or in travelling for the purpose of attending a Court as a witness shall be as specified in Columns 2 or 3 as the case may be of the Schedule appended hereto in accordance with his professional standing for the years as specified in Column 1 thereof:-

[12][SCHEDULE

Sr. No.

Profession standing

Chartered

Qualified

 

 

Accountants

Assistants

1

2

3

4

 

 

Rs.

Rs.

1

Between 0 to 5 years

200.00

80.00

2

Between 6 to 10 years

300.00

90.00

3

Between 11 to 15 years

400.00

100.00

4

More than 15 years

500.00

110.00]

Note: (1) The expression "expert evidence" includes evidence which an accountant is called upon to give by virtue of his having conducted audits or investigation.

(2) Chartered Accountants or their qualified Assistants should not ordinarily be summoned except when their evidence is absolutely necessary. Whenever they are required in Courts as Witnesses they should not, as far as possible, be asked to be present on days on which their evidence is not likely to be recorded.

(11)   When the hearing of a case is adjourned to a future day and a party requires the re-attendance on that day of a witness present in Court, whether summoned or brought by a party to give evidence, such witness, before leaving the Court, may, on the motion of the party be served with a order of re-attendance provided that the party pays immediately his travelling and other expenses for re-attendance.

 

(12)   A witness who has been summoned and who has been ordered to re-attend may be required to give security.

[13][TABLE C

Rates of Registration Charges

(I)      In case of Application, reference, complaint, appeal or, as the case may be, revision application filed under the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971,

(a)      Application to the Labour Court under Section 25,-

(i)       by the employer for declaration that the strike is illegal.- Two Hundred Fifty rupees.

(ii)      by a recognised union for declaration that the lock-out is illegal.-One Hundred rupees.

(b)      Complaint under section 28 to the Labour Court with reference to Item 1 of Schedule IV to the Act,

(i)       by any union.-Fifty rupees.

 

(ii)      by any employee.-Twenty rupees.

 

(c)      Complaint to the Industrial Court under Section 28 regarding any item in Schedule II or III or IV to the Act.-Fifty rupees.

(i)       When by any union.-Fifty rupees.

 

(ii)      by any employee.-Twenty rupees.

 

(d)      appeal under section 42 and revision under section 44 to the Industrial Court.-Fifty rupees.

 

(e)      application filed under section 50.-Twenty rupees.

 

(f)       other miscellaneous matters not provided in the Act or not recovered by any of the above entries.-Twenty rupees.

(II)     In case of application or reference under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947,

(a)      under section 2(k).-Two Hundred and Fifty rupees.

 

(b)      to the Labour Court under section 2-A in any dispute or difference between workman and his employer connected with or arising out of discharge, dismissal, retrenchment or termination of the workman.-Fifty rupees.

 

(c)      regarding any strikes and lock-outs to the Labour Court under section 24.-One Hundred rupees.

 

(d)      during the conciliation proceedings under sections 33.-Fifty rupees.

 

(e)      in any other miscellaneous case other than referred above.-Twenty rupees.

 

(III)   in case of Application or Reference, under the Bombay Industrial Relations Act, 1946.

(a)      in arbitration proceeding to the Industrial Court under sections 69, 71 and 73-A.-Two Hundred and Fifty rupees.

 

(b)      to the Labour Court under section 78 read with section 79.- Fifty rupees.

 

(c)      appeals filed to the Industrial Court under section 84 or revision applications filed under section 85.-Fifty rupees.

 

(d)      in any other miscellaneous case other than those specified above.-Twenty rupees.

 

(IV)   In case of a Claim or reference, under the section 6A of the Bombay Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1953.-Twenty rupees.

 

(V)     In case of an Application or reference, under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1971.-Twenty rupees.

 

(VI)   In case of an Application, reference, appeal or complaint under the Maharashtra Mathadi, Hamal and other Manual Workers (Regulation of Employment and Welfare) Act, 1969.-Twenty rupees.



[1] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, Dt. 28.4.77 page 3217 

 

[2] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, dt. 28.4.1977 page 3218.

[3] Clause 45(A)(i) and 45(A)(ii) ins. by G.N. NO.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 4.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p. 215-218 (w.e.f. 7.12.2006)

[4] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, dt. 28.4.1977 page 3219.

[5] Added vide G.N. published in MGG Pt.I-L, Dt. 28.4.77 page 3219.

[6] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, dt. 28.4.77 page 3220.

[7] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, Dt. 28.4.77 page 3220.

[8] Subs. vide G.N. Published in MGG. Pt.I-L Ext. P.906, dt. 2.7.1992.

[9] Subs. by G.N. No.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 4.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p.21S-218(w.e.f. 7.12.2006) 

[10] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, dt. 28.4.1977 page 3220.

[11] Subs. by G.N. No.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 4.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p. 215-218 (w.e.f. 7.12.2006)

[12] Rates of fees in Schedule subs. by G.N. No.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 4.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p. 215-218 (w.e.f. 7.12.2006)

[13] Table 'C' ins. by G.N. No.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 6.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p. 215-218 (w.e.f. 7.12.2006)

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LABOUR COURTS (PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE) RULES, 1975

PREAMBLE

In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 44 of the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971 (Maharashtra Act No. I of 1972), the Industrial Court has framed the following rules for the practice and procedure of Labour Courts:

CHAPTER I GENERAL

Rule - 1.

These rules may be called "the Labour Courts (Practice and Procedure) Rules, 1975".

In these rules unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context-

(a)      'Act' means Maharashtra Act I of 1972;

(b)      'Advocate' means a person who is qualified to be enrolled as an Advocate under the Advocate's Act and enrolled as such;

(c)      'Order sheet' (Roznama) includes the record made by the Presiding Officer of the Court or under the instructions of the Presiding Officers regarding the hearing, the interim orders passed at the hearing, and any directions for compliance given by the Presiding Officer at the hearing including the dates of subsequent hearings but it shall not include orders finally determining the dispute either wholly or partially;

(d)      'Rule' means the rules framed by the Industrial Court under Section 44 of the Act.

Rule - 2.

Words and expressions not defined by these rules shall have the same meaning assigned to them under the Act or the rules or the regulations made thereunder.

Rule - 3.

The forms set out to these rules or forms substantially to the like effect with such variations as the circumstances of each case may require, shall be used for all cases where the forms are appropriate.

Rule - 4.

All the applications except those submitted to the Court shall be presented to an officer of the Court duly authorised by the Court to receive such applications.

Rule - 5.

Application/Complaint should not be accepted unless it is verified. If it is verified and not barred by limitation, it should be registered immediately. It should be scrutinised. The officer shall examine the application and the same should be placed before the Court for orders after registering the same. Court shall fix the date for written statement and also the date for hearing of the application. Immediately after those orders are passed, but not later than three days, notices will be issued to the parties conveying the orders of the Court. Such notices shall be in Form No.8.

Rule - 5-A.

(i)       The officer scrutinising the application or complaint shall examine and determine whether-

(1)     it is in accordance with the form prescribed;

(2)     it is properly signed and duly verified;

(3)     it has been properly stamped and in case whether stamp is necessary;

(4)     it is within time;

(5)     the documents in which the parties rely have been produced alongwith the list with prescribed form and with the copies thereof and shall verify the list with the documents produced;

(6)     the necessary memo of appearance or authorisation as the case may be have been filed;

(7)     the registered address of the applicant or the complainant as the case may be has been filed;

(8)     in case the complaint is barred by limitation an application for condonation of delay and affidavit in support thereof have been filed as provided under Rule 61.

(ii)      If on verification, it is found that the application or complaint as the case may be is not in order/or is not accompanied by the documents alongwith the list and copy thereof, the Officer concerned shall place the matter before the Judge who may direct the concerned party to remedy the defect or comply with any requirements which have not been complied within a specified time.

(iii)     If the concerned party does not comply with the directions within the prescribed time or within such further time as the Court may grant, the Court may reject the application or complaint as the case may be.

Rule - 6.

If an application/complaint is received by post the officer authorised to receive such applications shall make an endorsement on the application/complaint stating the date of receipt of such application/complaint. The officer receiving an application/complaint by post shall fix a date not later than 10 days for scrutiny and verification of such applications and send an intimation of that date by a letter under certificate of posting immediately to the applicant/complainant.

Rule - 7.

Notices to the parties may be sent either by registered post acknowledgement due or served through bailiff, or by such method as ordered by the Court.

Rule - 8.

The Labour Court may on getting a complaint verified and on consideration of the allegations in the complaint order that the complaint be sent to an Investigating Officer for inquiry and report within the time fixed by the Court.

Rule - 9. Affidavit

(1)     An affidavit required to be filed before the Court shall ordinarily be drawn up in Marathi or Hindi or English. If the deponent is unable to read and understand the contents of the affidavit, the same shall be explained to him/her in language known by him/her and endorsement to that effect shall be made on the affidavit by a person identifying the deponent and known to the officer before whom the affidavit is sworn.

(2)     The identification of the deponent shall be endorsed on the affidavit by the officer in the following form:

Solemnly affirmed before me by Shri...................................................... whom I personally know/who is identified before me by Shri.........................................whom I personally know.

Signature of the Officer

(3)     If the affidavit drawn in a language other than Marathi, Hindi or English it shall be accompanied by an accurate translation in English.

(4)     The affidavit shall be sworn before an officer duly authorised in this behalf by the Court.

(5)     Every deponent shall pay a swearing fee of Re 1 for having the affidavit sworn and verified before the officer authorised for the purpose.

(6)     Swearing fee shall be paid in the form of Court fee stamps affixed to the affidavit.

(7)     The officer authorised to swear affidavits shall maintain a register in Form 13 in which entries shall be made regarding every affidavit sworn before the officer.

Rule - 10. Documents:

[1][(1) Every application or complaint made to the Court under the Act or to be filed under the Rules shall be accompanied by the documents on which the applicant, or the complainant, as the case may be, relies alongwith a list thereof and with as many copies of the documents and of lists as there are opposite parties. No document shall be accepted unless accompanied by proper list of the documents on which the parties rely.

(2) Any other relevant document which any party wishes to produce, shall be produced on or before the first date fixed for hearing alongwith a list thereof and with as many copies of the documents and the list as there are opposite parties, provided that copies of the list and the documents may not be produced for the other parties if they have been already supplied to them and receipts evidencing that produced.

(3) Any document not produced as stated above, shall not except with the permission of the Court be admissible in evidence on behalf of the party who should have produced.

(4) Nothing under this rule shall apply to any document which is sought to be produced for the purpose of cross-examining the witness or is handed over to the witness to refresh his memory.

(5) If any document is written in pencil or torn, moth-eaten or damaged in any way, a clear note to that effect must be made in the list and such document shall be brought to the notice of the judge by the clerk whose duty is to receive it and the Court may if it considered desirable ask for a true copy thereof either written in ink or typed.

(6) The list referred to above shall be in Form 9-A.

CHAPTER II APPEARANCE IN COURT

Rule - 11. Appearance before the LabourCourt.

A party to any proceeding, an employer, an employee, a trade union for the members employed in an undertaking or the owner of the undertaking or any other person impleaded to a proceeding may appear in person or may be represented by (1) a duly authorised advocate, (2) an office bearer of the union of which the employee is a member or (3) a member of a recognised union duly authorised by it in writing, or (4) an officer who is a whole time employee of the employer, authorised by such employer to represent the employer.

Rule - 12. A party to a proceeding may enter appearance by filing a memorandum of appearance.

Any other person claiming to represent a party to a proceeding, viz., an employer, an employee, a recognised union or a trade union shall file authority to appear in Form 2. Memorandum of appearance by a party shall be in Form 1.

Rule - 13.

No person claiming to represent a party to a proceeding shall be allowed to appear or act until the authority prescribed under Rule 12 has been filed. Such authority shall be filed at or before the first hearing of the proceedings, and subsequently with the permission of the Court.

Rule - 14.

A person authorised to appear shall be bound by the directions of the Court and shall be deemed to represent the person for whom he is authorised to appear throughout the proceedings.

Rule - 15.

Statements and acts of the representative authorised to appear shall be binding on the persons authorising such representative to appear in the proceedings.

Rule - 16.

A representative appearing under the authority of another person may apply for withdrawal from appearance by an application in writing filed before the Court. The Court may allow the withdrawal of such person after such inquiry as may be necessary. Until permission is granted for withdrawal of appearance a person authorised to appear shall continue to represent the person authorising such person to appear. Such an application for withdrawal can be filed only after service of notice of at least one week of the proposed withdrawal on the party represented asking that party to make its arrangement for appearance in the proceedings. Office copy of such notice with acknowledgement shall be produced alongwith the withdrawal application.

Rule - 17.

A member of the recognised union duly authorised to act by it in writing to appear or act on behalf of such union in any proceeding before the Court shall be entitled to get a certificate for every date of attendance from the Court. Such certificate shall be in Form No.3.

Rule - 18.

An officer of the State Government duly authorised by the State Government to appear in any proceeding before the Court under Section 36 of the Act, shall file the memorandum of appearance in Form-4.

Rule - 19.

The officer of the State Government duly authorised by the State Government under Section 36 of the Act, shall give notice of intention to appear in the proceeding before the Court in Form 5.

Rule - 20.

An Investigating Officer intending to appear in any proceeding before the Court shall file a memorandum of appearance in Form 6.

Rule - 21. Registered Address

A party to a proceeding or any other person impleaded to the proceeding before the Court shall file at the time of entering appearance address called "the registered address" at which all communications, notices, summonses etc., may be sent. A notice or a summons or a communication sent to such registered address or tendered at such registered address shall be deemed to have been sent to the proper address. The registered address shall be valid throughout the proceeding and for a period of 2 years after the final order in the proceeding has been made. The Registered address shall be in Form 7.

Rule - 22.

If there is a change of address the party which has filed the original registered address shall file a fresh address intimating the change and in the absence of any such intimation the address on the record shall continue to be the official address of the party to which communications may be sent.

Rule - 23.

A notice to the opponent/opponents shall be in Form 8.

Rule - 24.

Notice to any person for appearance before the Court shall be in Form 9.

Rule - 25.

A party desiring that a summons may be issued to any person for appearance before the Court as a witness or for making a statement shall make an application in writing to that effect before the Court giving the full name and address to which the summons is to be sent.

Rule - 26.

On the Court ordering issue of summons or notice, the party at whose instance summons or notice is to be issued shall file within 3 days of the order process fee for issuing and service of the summons or notice on each person at the rates specified in the annexed Table "A".

Rule - 27.

The process fee shall be paid in the form of Court fee stamps.

Rule - 28.

Where summons is issued to a person for appearing as a witness before the Court, the party at whose instance summons is issued shall deposit within week from the date of the Court's order with the officer of the Court, daily allowance and travelling allowance at least for one day at the rate mentioned in the annexed Table 'B' for daily allowance and travelling allowance alongwith process fee for each witness. Such daily allowance and travelling allowance shall be paid alongwith the process fee for issuing summons.

Rule - 29.

The summons shall not be issued unless process fee, daily allowance and travelling allowance as prescribed are paid within the prescribed time or further extended time by the Court or the officer duly authorised. The officer duly authorised may on application submitted in that respect extend time to pay process fees, daily allowance and travelling allowance on satisfactory grounds. Such extension shall in no case be more than two weeks.

Rule - 30.

The Officer receiving the daily allowance and travelling allowances shall immediately pass a receipt for the amount paid to the party depositing the allowances in Form 10.

Rule - 31.

If the process fee and daily allowance and travelling allowance are not paid within time fixed by the rules and the person summoned as a witness is not served on that account the party at whose instance the summons has been issued shall not ordinarily be entitled to an adjournment for securing the presence of witness.

Rule - 32.

A summons may be issued for production of documents in Form 11.

Rule - 33.

A party applying for summons for production of documents shall make an application clearly stating the details of the documents and relevancy thereof required to be produced by the person summoned. On such application being allowed the party shall pay process fee for issuing summons for production of documents as prescribed by these Rules. The party shall furnish a spare copy of the application to be sent to the witness alongwith the summons.

Rule - 34.

On receipt of the process fee, a summons for production of documents shall be issued within four days from the receipt of prescribed fees. A copy of the application for summons shall be enclosed with the summons, which shall mention the date on which the documents are required to be produced before the Court.

Rule - 35.

Documents including affidavits and applications would be accepted by the Court only when copies thereof are furnished for service on the other party/parties.

Rule - 35-A.

(1)     Any person desiring to obtain certified copies of any records including copies of any award, decree or order of a Labour Court may make an application in writing to the Labour Court.

(2)     On receipt of such application and on payment of fees for copying a document at the rate of 50 paise per hundred words or fraction thereof, a copy of the document shall be supplied by the Labour Court.

(3)     Urgent certified copies of the documents may be supplied on payment of one and half times the fees payable under Clause (2) above.

(4)     No copy shall be granted of any notes recorded by the Court for its own use or of any exhibit or document which the Court may consider to be confidential.

Rule - 36. Commissions:

The Court may issue commission to any person or to the Investigating Officer for examination of witnesses on commission. The commission shall be in Form 12.

Rule - 37.

A party may apply for examination of witness of commissioner in writing. Whenever it is ordered that witness shall be examined on commission the party so desiring to lead such evidence shall pay the prescribed process fee and daily allowance and travelling allowances as the case may be for examination of witnesses cited by it before the Commissioner or as per rules.

Rule - 38.

Ordinarily parties will themselves produce their witnesses to be examined on their behalf before the Commissioner. In case of party desires a summons to be issued to a person to be examined as witness, application may be made for issue of summons within 3 days of the order, appointing the Commissioner of fixing the date for evidence alongwith necessary process fee in Court fee stamps and the amount of travelling allowance and daily allowance at least for one day. If a witness summons is not served on account of lapses or delay in payment of the process fee or above said allowances, the party concerned shall not ordinarily be entitled to an adjournment for recording the evidence of such witness.

Rule - 39.

The Court may decide either to record evidence itself or issue commission for recording evidence of witnesses.

Rule - 40.

The Court may require any fact to be proved by affidavits and pass order to that effect.

Rule - [41.

(i)       On an order for issuing Commission for examination for witnesses being passed, the selection of the Commissioner shall be made by the Judge himself. Commission which can suitably be allotted to a Junior Lawyer or representative should be so allotted to such juniors. For this purpose a panel may be formed and fair and equitable distribution should be made.

(ii)      Where an order for issue of commission is passed the Judge shall after consulting the parties or their lawyers or representatives and after taking into account the probable length of time and execution of the commission is likely to take, fix the initial fees of the Commissioner and direct the deposit of the same in the Court within a specified time. The Court shall also specify which party shall deposit such fee and wherever necessary in what proportion and within what time. On depositing such fee within one week thereto or within the time allotted by the Court, commission shall be issued to the person appointed as Commissioner. If necessary the Judge may from time to time direct that any further sum be deposited in Court by the party or parties concerned. The Commissioner shall not accept any payment directly from the party. The fees or the travelling allowance if any shall be drawn by them from the Court.

(iii)     The Commissioner shall examine the witnesses as expeditiously as possible after duly intimating the date, time and place for examination of witnesses fixed by the Commissioner to the parties.

(iv)    When a party fails to appear on the day and at the place and the hour fixed for examination or fails to apply for time, the Commissioner should proceed ex parte. He can also proceed ex parte, if he is of opinion that adjournment is sought on frivolous or unreasonable grounds.

(v)      Whenever the Commissioner disallows any question put to a witness, he shall record such question and answer thereto but the same shall not be admitted as evidence except when the Judge before whom the deposition is put in evidence so directs.

(vi)    The Commissioner shall furnish to the parties copies of the evidence recorded from day to day, on payment of normal charges for the same. After recording all the evidence, the Commissioner shall within one week, forward the evidence recorded by him alongwith his report and the bill for his fees to the Court, either by registered post or by hand delivery on obtaining the acknowledgement for the same.

(vii)   Whenever the witness to be examined is a resident beyond the jurisdiction of the Court, the Commissioner shall ordinarily be addressed to the Court, within whose jurisdiction the witness resides.

(viii)  When a Commission is issued to a Court, the amount deposited by a party for defraying of the expenses shall also be transmitted to the Court, to which the commission is issued.][2]

Rule - 42.

The Commissioner shall examine the witnesses as expeditiously as possible after duly intimating the date for examination of witnesses fixed by the Commissioner to the parties. The Commissioner shall furnish to the parties copies of the evidence recorded from day to day on payment of normal charges for the same. After recording of evidence is over the Commissioner shall within one week forward the evidence recorded by him alongwith his report and the bill for his fees to the Court, either by registered post or by hand delivery on obtaining acknowledgement for the same.

Order Sheets

(Roznamas)

Rule - [43.

(1)     Each Judge shall maintain an order sheet to be called the Roznama for each proceeding before him.

(2)     The Roznama must clearly show the course of the proceeding from the beginning to the end in chronological order. It must show in concise form the progress of the proceeding from day to day. The reason for every adjournment shall be stated. The Roznama must be a faithful, complete, and concise history of the case and of all proceedings taken therein. It must contain a correct list and description of the exhibits, the date of delivery of the different orders passed in the proceedings and of any application for amendment of any order. It must show in chronological order all proceedings, if any, subsequent to the passing of the final order and must also contain a note of other proceeding such as Commissioner's report, if any etc.

(3)     It shall be the duty of the clerk attached to the Court to see that the Roznama of each day has been properly drawn up and to place the same before the said Presiding Judge for his signature as far as possible on the same day. Every document admitted in evidence and exhibited must be mentioned in the Roznama in chronological order. The description of the document and the date of the document must also be mentioned in the Roznama. At the end of the Roznama of each proceeding the Clerk attached to the Court shall make a note that all Court fee stamps produced therein have been punched and must sign the note.

Rule - 44.

[*****]

Rule - 45. Adjournments.

A party to a proceeding shall comply with the orders of the Court within the time fixed in the order. An adjournment will not ordinarily be granted except for good and sufficient cause. If the party requires a proceeding to be adjourned on account of his failure or default the adjournment may be granted subject to such terms and payment of costs as the court may order. Ordinarily cases fixed for recording evidence shall not be adjourned merely on account of absence of some of the witnesses to be examined.

[3][(A) (i).- When a case has been duly instituted, a notice may be issued to the respondent to appear and answer the claim and to file the written statement of his defence, if any, within thirty days from the date of service of notice on that respondent:

Provided that no such notice shall be issued when a respondent has appeared at the presentation of case and admitted the complainant's/ applicant's claim:

Provided further that where the respondent fails to file the written statement within the said period of thirty days, he shall be allowed to file the same on such other day as may be specified by the Court, for reasons to be recorded in writing, but which shall not be later than ninety days from the date of service of notice.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything contained hereinabove, the Court may, if sufficient cause is shown, at any stage of the case grant time to the parties or to any of them, and may from time to time adjourn the hearing of the case for reasons to be recorded in writing:

Provided that, no such adjournment shall be granted more than three times to a party during hearing of the case.][4]

Rule - 46.

A party desiring adjournment of a hearing shall apply sufficiently in advance with notice not less than 24 hours to the opposite side.

Rule - [46-A.

The granting of adjournment is a matter within the discretion of the Court. The Court is not ordinarily bound to grant an adjournment and before granting, it should require reasons to be stated unless it makes an adjournment of its own motion.

Rule - 46-B.

The Presiding Judge should be strict in granting adjournment. Mere convenience of the lawyer or representatives or parties is not sufficient ground for granting adjournment. Where two or more Advocates or Representatives appear for a party in a proceeding no adjournment should ordinarily be granted on the ground that either of them is engaged elsewhere.

Rule - 46-C.

(1)     The party has no right to seek an adjournment for obtaining stay merely because it has filed an appeal or other proceedings in a superior court or elsewhere or intends to file one.

(2)     The Presiding Judge while granting adjournment may exercise of his discretion award costs against the parties seeking adjournment.

Ordinarily the adjournment cost should not be out of proportion of the claim in the proceedings, nor should they be disproportionately low. They should be adequate to compensate the party affected by the adjournment.

(3)     Where the illness of a pleader or his inability to conduct the case for any reason is put forward as a ground for adjournment, the Court shall not grant the adjournment unless it is satisfied that the party applying for adjournment could not have engaged another pleader in time.

(4)     Where a witness is present in Court but a party or his pleader is not present or the party or his pleader though present in Court is not ready to examine or cross examine, the witness, the Court may, if it thinks fit, record the statement of the witness and pass such orders as it thinks fit dispensing with the examination-in-Chief or cross examination of the witness, as the case may be, by the party or his pleader not present or not ready as aforesaid.

Explanation.- Where the evidence or a substantial portion of the evidence of any party has already been recorded and such party fails to appear on any day to which the hearing of the suit is adjourned, the Court may, in its discretion, proceed with the case as if such party were present.

(5)     When a party applies for a process or deposits the diet money too late to allow the witness being served in time to reach the Court on the date fixed for hearing, no adjournment should ordinarily be granted to the parties for a second opportunity to produce the witness. If a party fails to produce a witness whom it has undertaken to produce on a particular date it should not be ordinarily given a second opportunity to produce any.

(6)     After the examination of witnesses has begun the adjournment if found necessary should be for a day or for very short interval.

(7)     Arguments should be heard immediately after the evidence is closed and a case, unless it is lengthy and complicated, should not as a rule be adjourned for arguments. After all the evidence has been adduced, if any adjournment is necessary, the reasons should be recorded by the Presiding Judge and it should never be for a long period. Arguments should not, except for good reasons, be heard piece-meal and where it is found necessary to adjourn a case for the hearing of further arguments, the adjournment should ordinarily be to the next working day.

(8)     A case once closed and adjourned for argument should never be to be re-opened by allowing parties to produce evidence unless for good cause clearly established to the satisfaction of the Judge.][5]

Rule - 47.

Where a proceeding is required to be adjourned either at the request of the parties or otherwise the order sheet shall briefly record the reason for such adjournment.

Rule - [48.

(1)     Ordinarily judgments, decisions and orders should be delivered immediately after the arguments are heard and in every case within 15 days of the completion of the arguments.

(2)     Judgments, decisions and orders should be pronounced in open Court. If not dictated in open Court the date on which it is to be pronounced must be notified.

(3)     Every judgment, order or decision should be paragraphed and duly numbered.

(4)     When a judgment or order or decision is type written every sheet shall bear the initials of the Presiding Judge and his signature at the end alongwith his designation.

(5)     No addition or alteration shall be made thereto other than a clerical or arithmetical mistake arising from accidental slips or omissions][6].

Rule - [48-A.

(1)     Every judgment, order, decision and proceeding should be written only on foolscap paper leaving the margin blank.

(2)     All applications, complaints, affidavits, and other proceedings including copies of documents presented to the Court shall be written in ink, type written or cyclostyled fairly and legibly on foolscap paper of good quality having at least 1/4th margin blank. Both the sides of the paper may be used provided it does not affect the legibility of the matter. Any document not in conformity with this will not be accepted. Wherever the proceedings is likely to be time barred on account of the rejection of the document or where sufficient reason is shown for so doing the document may be accepted on the party undertaking to file a properly prepared copy thereto within a stated period.][7]

Rule - 49.

The Court may pass order regarding payment of costs incurred by a party to be paid by the, other party. If there is no order as to the payment of costs no party shall be entitled to recovery of costs. A party shall ordinarily be entitled to costs for summoning witnesses, producing of documents and adjournments but not to costs for engaging legal practitioners.

CHAPTER III RULES UNDER SECTION 24 RELATING TO NOTICE OF STRIKE OR LOCK-OUT

Rule - 50.

A union desiring that its members in an undertaking should go on strike of any type shall give a notice in Form (9) of the Rules to the employer of the undertaking. The notice shall be sent to the employer by registered post A.D. No Notice shall be given in respect of the proposed strike, unless the decision to go on such strike is affirmatively taken by a vote in favour of going on such strike by "majority of members" of the union who are employed in the undertaking in which it is proposed to go on strike. Votes shall be recorded at such meeting by ballot, if ballot is demanded.

Rule - 51.

If the members of a recognised union decide to go on strike of any type, such decision shall be taken at a meeting of the general body of the members of the union convened expressly for the purpose. Notice of such meeting shall be served on every member of the union who is an employee of the undertaking in which it is proposed to go on strike. Votes shall be recorded at such meeting by ballot, if ballot is demanded.

Rule - 52.

For the purpose of Rule 50 "majority of members" means majority of all the employees in the undertaking who are validly members of the union on the date of the decision to go on strike, whether all such members are present at the meeting or not.

Rule - 53.

The Executive Committee of a recognised union shall maintain true and accurate minutes of the proceedings of the meeting of the general body of the employees convened for taking decision whether the employees should go on the proposed strike in the undertaking.

Rule - 54.

An employer desiring to commence a lock-out shall give notice to the employees in the undertaking in Form-J of the rules. If there is no recognised union of employees in the undertaking, the employer who desires to commence a lock-out, the notice of the proposed lock-out shall be affixed on usual notice Board in the language understood by majority of employees and also in English and also shall be given to every employee in the undertaking and also to any union of employees in the undertaking.

CHAPTER IV PROCEDURE IN REFERENCE UNDER SECTION 25 FOR ILLEGAL STRIKE OR ILLEGAL LOCK-OUT

Rule - 55.

Reference under Section 25 of the Act shall be made by application in Form No.14 or Form No.15 as the case may be.

Rule - 56.

Before making application under Rule 55 to the Labour Court a copy of such application shall be served by the applicant on the party against whom reference is to be made, and acknowledgement of receipt of such copy shall be filed with the application, or sent by registered post and postal receipt produced.

Rule - 57.

(1)     On receipt of reference under Section 25 of the Act the Labour Court shall immediately fix date of the reference, which should be as early.

as possible and shall issue notice mentioning the date of hearing to the opposite party/parties. Such notice shall be in Form (15-A).

(2)     Where a reference is filed under Section 25 for the decision of Labour Court and the employees affected are numerous persons having the same interest, the Court may permit one or more such employees to appear and to defend the application on behalf of all the employees so interested, in case no recognised union exists in the concerned undertaking.

(3)     In all cases covered by sub-rule (2), including those in which a union appears the Labour Court shall also direct notice of the filing of the reference to be given to all such employees at the applicant's expense either by personal service or where from the number of employees or any other cause such service is not reasonably practicable, by public advertisement and by causing the notice with its translation in a regional language to be affixed by the applicant at the entrance through which the majority of employees enter the premises for their work. The person affixing the notice and publishing the advertisement shall file an affidavit in the Court of his having done so. Provided that in cases where the recognised union exists public advertisement need not be issued. General Notice to be published shall be in Form No. 15-B.

Rule - 58.

Reference under Section 25 of the Act shall be heard and disposed of as far as possible within one week from the receipt of the reference, unless for good and sufficient cause it is found necessary to extend the time for disposal of the reference.

Rule - 59.

(i)       The decision of the Labour Court on a reference under section 25 of the Act shall be pronounced in open Court immediately after hearing is over or on a date to be fixed by the Court and intimated to the parties.

(ii)      A copy of the order shall be pasted on the Court's notice board. A copy of the order shall also be sent to such officer as may be designated by the State Government in references made by the State Government.

CHAPTER V COMPLAINTS RELATING TO ANY UNFAIR LABOUR PRACTICES

Rule - [60.

(1)     A complaint regarding any unfair labour practice shall be initiated in Form 16.

(2)     In respect of unfair labour practice complained of a concise statement of the material facts constituting it and the date of the occurrence thereof and the name of the person or persons or unions guilty thereof shall be specifically and separately stated in the complaint.

(3)     Every person or union who it is alleged is guilty of any unfair labour practice, shall be impleaded in the complaint. The complaint must specifically and separately disclose the unfair labour practice each such person or union is guilty of, the specific facts constituting that unfair labour practice in regard to the particular person or union and the date of the occurrence of that unfair labour practice.

Rule - 61.

If a complaint under Section 28 covers any unfair labour practice which occurred more than 90 days before the date the complaint was filed, the complainant shall file alongwith the complaint a separate application, for condonation of delay. That application shall disclose separately and specifically each unfair labour practice which occurred more than 90 days after the complaint was filed and in respect of which condonation of delay is sought, the date of the occurrence thereof and the reasons for condonation of delay in respect thereof. Such an application shall be supported by an affidavit.

Rule - 62.

Complaints under Section 28(i) of the Act shall be scrutinised by the officer of the Court authorised to receive them, and shall place the same before the Court for orders with his remarks on the scrutiny form within four days from the date of filing.

Rule - 63.

The Investigating Officer shall follow the directions issued by the Labour Court and may seek further directions from the Labour Court, if he finds such directions necessary.

Rule - 64.

On receipt of report of the Investigating Officer under Section 28(5) of the Act the Labour Court shall hear the complaint and shall pass such orders as the Court thinks fit.

Rule - 65.

If under Section 28(6) of the Act the Court decides to proceed with the complaint, notice shall be issued to the Respondent and to such other persons whose presence the Court considers necessary for full and fair inquiry into the complaint. The notice shall be in Form 8.

Rule - 66.

The complaint shall in cases falling under Section 28(6) of the Act pay process fee within three days of the Court's order directing the complaint to be proceeded with Court may in proper cases extend time to pay process fees, but in no case for more than two weeks.

Rule - 67.

On receipt of a notice except in cases falling under Sections 38 to 43 of the Act, the person receiving the notice may file a written statement setting out his case atleast 8 days before the date of hearing mentioned in the notice, or within the time fixed by the Court, whichever is earlier.

Rule - 68.

The parties shall as far as possible produce documents sought to be relied upon alongwith complaints, applications, initiating a proceeding and written statement. They may produce additional documents, if any, on the first day of hearing also or within such extended time as may be permitted by Court. Parties shall not ordinarily be allowed to produce documents after recording of oral evidence is complete and the case is ready for arguments, excluding arguments on preliminary points if the same are separately submitted.

Rule - 69.

Order of the Court under Section 28(7) of the Act shall be in writing and it shall be published by affixing a copy of the order on the notice board of the Court. The order shall be pronounced in the open Court on a date to be fixed by the Court for that purpose, unless the order is dictated in open Court. The order shall bear the date on which it is pronounced, and it shall also contain a direction as to the date from which the order becomes enforceable. In absence of such direction the order shall be enforceable from the date of the order.

Rule - 70.

If the Court on hearing the parties before it decides that the presence of any other party is necessary before the Court, it may by specific order direct such party to be impleaded as a party to the proceeding. On such order being passed notice with a copy of such order shall be issued to the person so impleaded. Such notice shall be in Form No. 8.

Rule - 71.

(i)       An order under Section 28(8) of the Act shall be published by affixing a copy of the order on the notice board of the Court, having regard to the importance of the order. The Court may also direct that the order shall be published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette. A copy of any such order shall be forwarded to the Government and to the Commissioner of Labour Court, Bombay.

(ii)      A copy of such order as specified under Rule 26(2) framed under the Act, shall also be sent to other authorities as mentioned in that Rule.

Rule - 72.

(i)       An application for interim relief under Section 30(2) of the Act may be filed by a party to a proceeding before the Court, a copy of such application with supporting affidavit shall be served on the party against whom interim relief is claimed, if such party has appeared before the Court.

(ii)      If the party against whom interim relief is sought has not entered appearance till the date of the application for interim relief is filed, notice shall be issued to that party directing it to show cause within the time mentioned in the notice why interim relief asked for should not be granted. Notice shall also specify the date fixed for hearing the application for interim relief. Such notice shall be in Form 16-A.

Rule - 73.

The order for interim relief shall be pronounced in open Court in presence of the parties on the date fixed for hearing application for such relief or on a date fixed for delivery of the order.

Rule - 74.

The order on the application for interim relief may be published by affixing a copy thereof on the notice board of the Court.

Rule - 75.

[8][(1) Where in any action filed under the Act, it is proved by affidavit or other evidence that any of the parties to the action has committed and/or there is a reasonable apprehension that it would commit an Unfair Labour Practice, so as to frustrate the lawful right of the other party, the Court may, on proof of prima facie case in favour of the concerned party, grant temporary injunction to restrain commission of such Unfair Labour Practice and/or make such order for the purpose of stay and preventing such apprehended Unfair Labour Practice until the disposal of the action or until the further orders, after considering the caveat, if any, filed by the parties.

(2)   In passing any such orders, the Court will also consider the comparative hardships which may be caused to the parties, and also whether it would be equitable to pass any such order.

(3)   Subject to Section 31, the Court will not ordinarily grant ex parte ad-interim injunction or order:

Provided that the party seeking such ex parte ad-interim relief should state what steps it has taken to give notice to the other party about such application and in case when no such notice of injunction is given or has reached the other party, to state in the Application itself the grounds as to why it has not done so, and about the exigencies of the matter, and in such a case, if satisfied, the Court may pass an ex-parte, ad- interim injunction or the order, in exceptional circumstances:

Provided also that the Court shall also state the grounds why such order is required to be passed without a hearing or issuing advance notice to the other side.

(4)    The Court passing such ad-interim ex-parte order shall mention in the order of duration for which the Order would remain in force, which shall not be beyond 15 days from the date of passing the order.

(5)    Any party aggrieved by such an injunction order may apply for having that the order set aside, after giving 48 hours notice to the other party which obtained an interim relief. However, in case of exigencies shown from the affidavit or other evidence, Court may, without notice or without hearing the other side, stay the order which it has already passed and also mention in the order the duration for which such a stay order will be operative. It should also mention in that order why no notice of the application for stay could be given to the other party].

Rule - 76.

Application for interim relief shall be supported by affidavit relating to facts mentioned in the application.

Rule - 77.

Every application complaining against an unfair labour practice presented to Labour Court shall state whether any proceeding relating to the facts constituting of the alleged unfair labour practice is pending before the State Government or a Tribunal or Labour Court or any other authority under Industrial Law. While passing orders Court shall take into account pendency of such proceedings.

CHAPTER VI EX-PARTE PROCEEDINGS

Rule - 78.

(i)       Alongwith application under Section 31(2) of the Act the applicant shall file affidavit in support of the grounds for getting the ex-parte order set aside.

(ii)      A notice of hearing of the application for setting aside the ex parte order shall be served on the party who is entitled to be heard. Such notice shall be in Form 17.

Rule - 79.

The Court may under Section 31 (2) of the Act set aside ex parte order on such terms as to costs and other conditions as it considers necessary.

CHAPTER VII TRIAL OF OFFENCES UNDER SECTIONS 38, 41, 47 AND 49

Rule - 80.

A complaint shall be in Form 18. The complaint shall contain a statement of all the material facts, the date of commission of the offence or offences alleged, the name of the person/persons alleged to have committed the offence, the manner and extent to which the act or omission complained of affects the complainant, and also the names and addresses of all persons on whose evidence the complainant proposes to rely in support of the complaint. Complaint should be presented to the Court which shall follow the procedure under sections 200 and 202 of [9][Criminal Procedure Code, 1974.][10]

Rule - 81.

(i)       The complainant shall file with the complaint documents on which he seeks to rely alongwith a properly drawn up list of such documents.

(ii)      Where a complaint is in respect of any failure to comply with an order under section 30 (1) (b) or under section 30 (2) of the Act, the complainant shall file with the complaint a certified copy of the order which it is alleged has not been complied with.

Rule - 82.

(i)       After the court passes orders on the complaint presented to it, the complaint shall be registered and summons/notice/process shall be issued as per orders of the Court.

(ii)      The summons shall be in Form 18-A.

Rule - 83.

The summons shall be served either by registered post acknowledgement due or by tendering the summons to the person summoned to appear by or through the bailiff or by such persons as may be specifically authorised by the Court.

Rule - 84.

Every copy of the summons or warrant of arrest shall be accompanied by a copy of the complaint with annexures, if any, which shall be served on the accused.

Rule - 85.

The complainant or an accused person may be represented by an Advocate or an officer of a trade union of which the complainant is a member or by a recognised union for the undertaking in which the complainant is employed, or by a full time officer of the employer, or an office bearer of an employer's association, as the case may be.

Rule - 86.

Any person appearing on behalf of the complainant shall file his authority to appear in Form 1. Nobody shall be allowed to appear for the complainant or an accused unless an authority in that behalf has been filed.

Rule - 87.

Each party shall file a list of witnesses to be examined and shall indicate which witnesses will be produced by the party and which witnesses are required to be summoned.

Rule - 88.

Complainant as well as the accused shall ordinarily produce his witnesses. Complainant or accused may apply for summons if he is unable to produce his witnesses.

Rule - 89.

If any party desires the assistance of the Court for securing the attendance of witnesses, an application will be made issuing summons to such person giving the full name and correct address of each witness. Such application shall be filed within 3 days from the date fixed for recording evidence. Alongwith the application parties shall pay process fee and daily allowance and travelling allowance as per rules. If the process fee and daily allowance and travelling allowance is not paid in time the summons may be issued at the risk of the party and no adjournment shall be granted if the summons is not served on the account.

Rule - 90.

If a person duly served with a witness summons remains absent the party at whose instance summons was issued may make an application for warrant of arrest of such person to secure his attendance as a witness in Form 19.

Rule - 91.

If the accused does not execute a bond or does not appear on the date fixed, or does not obtain stay from the Industrial Court, the order of the Labour Court granting stay shall stand vacated. Form of Bond shall be in Form 20.

CHAPTER VIII PROCEDURE FOR MAKING COMPLAINTS TO MAGISTRATES UNDER SEC.48(2) AND 48(3) AND FOR TAKING COGNIZANCE OF AND REPORT OF CONTEMPT OF THE LABOUR COURT UNDER SECTION 48

Rule - 92.

In cases falling under Section 48(2) and/or Section 48(3) of the Act, Labour Court shall record the facts that took place in view of or in the presence of the Presiding Judge of such Court. The Court may also record statement of any other person necessary for the proceeding under Section 48(2) or Section 48(3) of the Act.

Rule - 93.

If the person committing offence under Section 48 is present in the Court, the Court shall record the statement of such person as provided by Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973.

Rule - 94.

If the person committing offence under Section 48 of the Act is not present in Court, notice shall be issued to such person calling upon him to show cause why proper action under Section 48 of the Act should not be taken against him in view of the facts noted in notice. When such person appears before the Court his statement as provided by Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 shall be recorded. Notice shall be in Form 21.

Rule - 95.

The Security Bond contemplated by Section 48(4) of the Act shall be in Form 20.

Rule - 96.

(a)      If in the opinion of Court a person has committed contempt of Court under Section 48 of the Act, the Court may on its own motion or on the application by any person, initiate proceeding under Section 48 of the Act and shall submit report in that behalf to the Industrial Court or the High Court, as the case may be.

(b)      The Court shall record facts constituting such contempts. The Court shall also record the statement of the person committing contempt, if such person is present before the Court, and statement of any other person/persons acquainted with the relevant facts and circumstances in which the contempt was committed. The report to be submitted to the Industrial Court or the High Court, as the case may be, shall be accompanied by statement of facts constituting the contempt of Court, alongwith the statements recorded by the Court, if any and such other documents as may be relevant for such report.

(c)      In cases falling under section 48(7) of the Act Labour Court shall hear the parties concerned before submitting report to Industrial Court.

CHAPTER IX PROCEDURE FOR RECOVERY OF MONEYS OF EMPLOYEES UNDER SECTION 50 OF THE ACT

Rule - 97.

(a)      An application for recovery of money under Section 50 of the Act shall be made to the Court which passed the order. Such application shall be in Form No.22

(b)      Application under second proviso to Section 50 of the Act shall be accompanied by an affidavit setting out grounds why the application under Section 50 of the Act was not made in time.

Rule - 98.

On receiving applications for recovery notice shall be issued to the opponent/opponents to show cause against the application. The notice shall be in Form 23.

Rule - 99.

(i)       On the date fixed for hearing the Court may hold such inquiry as it thinks fit, and if the Court is satisfied that the amount sought to be recovered or part thereof is due to the employee, certificate under section 50 of the Act shall be issued in Form 24.

(ii)      Certificate thus issued under Section 50 of the Act shall be entered in a register to be maintained in Form 24.

Rule - 100.

The Collector to whom certificate under Section 50 of the Act is issued shall intimate to the Court which issued the certificate the progress of recovery and payment made to the party entitled to the amount periodically, but in any case not later than every six months from the date of receipt of the certificate.

Rule - 101.

It shall be the duty of the Clerk in-charge of maintaining the register in Form No.25 to see that relevant entries are made in the register about recovery as soon as information in that respect if received from the Collector.

CHAPTER X PERIODICAL RETURNS BY A RECOGNISED UNION

Rule - 102.

Every recognised union shall submit return of its membership to the Industrial Court and also to the Labour Court in whose jurisdiction the registered office of the recognised union is located. Return shall be in Form 29. Such return shall be submitted by registered post A.D. in January and July of every calendar year commencing from the date of recognition of the Union as a recognised union under the Act. Industrial Court, as well as Labour Court shall maintain year-wise file of such returns. Immediately on receipt of such return under Section 52 of the Act entry shall be made in the register maintained in respect of such returns.

TABLE 'A'

Fees Chargeable in Industrial Court/Labour Court in respect of processes, etc.


Name of process, etc.

Applications, Appeals or not

 

otherwise Complaints,

 

Proceedings provided for


 

Rs. P.

I. For each Summons or Notice-

 

(a) To a single defendant, respondent or

2.00

witness.

 

(b) To every additional defendant, respon-

1.00

dent or witness residing in the same vil-

 

lage or town or within the same

 

Municipal limits if the processes be ap-

 

plied for at the same time.

 

II. For every warrant-

 

(a) Of arrest in respect of every person to

4.00

be arrested.

 


Note (i)-Where a summons or notice to a defendant or respondent is to be served by post registered for acknowledgement, the process fee levied shall in no case be less than the actual amount required for registration and postage.

Note (ii)-With the sanction of the Court any party may pay the cost of proceeding by railway or any public conveyance where such conveyance is available and in such case the process-server shall be bound to proceed by such railway or public conveyance.

Note (iii)-No fee is to be charged for any process issued by a Court of its own motion.

TABLE 'B'

Rules regarding payment of Daily allowance and Travelling allowance to witnesses

(1)     Rule 26 provides that processes shall be served at the expense of the party on whose behalf they are issued unless the Court otherwise directs and that the Court-fees chargeable shall be paid within the time fixed by the Court.

(2)     For the purpose of payment of daily allowance, witnesses are divided into the following classes:-

Class I.-Professional men of high position, Members of Parliament and of the State Legislatures, large land owners and owners of big business organisation and upper grade employees in business organisations, Corporations and Local Bodies, and Class I Government Officials who are required to attend the Court in their private capacity.

Class II.- Members of local bodies, ordinary professional and businessmen; land owners other than small farmers; junior employees in business organisation in Corporations and Local Bodies in corresponding grades and Class II Government Officials who are required to attend the Court in their private capacity.

Class III.- Artisans, Clerks, Small Land Owners, Village Officers and Officers in lower grades of Corporations, local bodies and business organisations and Class III Government Officials who are required to attend the Court in their private capacity.

Class IV.- Labourers, petty shop-keepers, pedlars and persons others than those in the above classes and class IV Government Servants who are required to attend the Court in their private capacity.

(3)     The daily allowance for the various classes should be as follows:

Sr.

No.

Class

Revised rates (Rs.Ps.)

(1)

 

(2)

(3)

1

 

Class-I

[11][150.00

2

 

Class-II

130.00

3

 

Class-III

115.00

4

 

Class-IV

100.00]

(4)     In special cases, and in particular where a person is being examined as an expert, the Court may require such sums as appear reasonable to be paid to a witness. The reasons for ordering payment of higher amounts should be recorded by the Court.

 

(5)     Daily allowance shall be given not only for the period of actual attendance but also for any reasonable time spent in the journey to and from the Court, the ordinary mode of conveyance available being taken into consideration. When the journey is made on foot, 15 miles a day shall be reckoned as the day's journey and daily allowance should be paid accordingly.

 

(6)     Travelling expenses will be granted according to the rates specified below in all cases in which the Court deems such expenses to be reasonable having due regard to the distance to be traversed and the position and circumstances of the witness:

(i)       When the journey is by road, the actual expenses incurred provided the same be reasonable.

 

(ii)      When the journey is wholly or partly by rail or steamer:

(a) Witness of Class I

First Class Railway Fare.

(b) Witness of Class II and Class III

Second Class Railway Fare.

(c) Witness of Class IV

Second Class Railway Fare.

(7)     Peculiar cases not provided for in the above rules are to be dealt with according to their own merits and at the discretion of the Court from which daily allowance or the travelling allowance is demanded.

 

(8)     Witnesses produced under warrants of arrest should receive daily allowance at the appropriate rates specified in Rule 3 above.

 

(9)     When Government as a party to a case asks for a summons to one of its servants for appearance in Court as a witness it is not required to deposit in Court anything on account of daily allowance and travelling allowance of the witness. In no case should any money deposited by a party for calling a Government Servant as a witness accompany the summons.

Fees to Chartered Accountant:

(10)   The fee to be paid to a Chartered Accountant or his qualified Assistant for each day spent in attending a Court or in travelling for the purpose of attending a Court as a witness shall be as specified in Columns 2 or 3 as the case may be of the Schedule appended hereto in accordance with his professional standing for the years as specified in Column 1 thereof:-

[12][SCHEDULE

Sr. No.

Profession standing

Chartered

Qualified

 

 

Accountants

Assistants

1

2

3

4

 

 

Rs.

Rs.

1

Between 0 to 5 years

200.00

80.00

2

Between 6 to 10 years

300.00

90.00

3

Between 11 to 15 years

400.00

100.00

4

More than 15 years

500.00

110.00]

Note: (1) The expression "expert evidence" includes evidence which an accountant is called upon to give by virtue of his having conducted audits or investigation.

(2) Chartered Accountants or their qualified Assistants should not ordinarily be summoned except when their evidence is absolutely necessary. Whenever they are required in Courts as Witnesses they should not, as far as possible, be asked to be present on days on which their evidence is not likely to be recorded.

(11)   When the hearing of a case is adjourned to a future day and a party requires the re-attendance on that day of a witness present in Court, whether summoned or brought by a party to give evidence, such witness, before leaving the Court, may, on the motion of the party be served with a order of re-attendance provided that the party pays immediately his travelling and other expenses for re-attendance.

 

(12)   A witness who has been summoned and who has been ordered to re-attend may be required to give security.

[13][TABLE C

Rates of Registration Charges

(I)      In case of Application, reference, complaint, appeal or, as the case may be, revision application filed under the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971,

(a)      Application to the Labour Court under Section 25,-

(i)       by the employer for declaration that the strike is illegal.- Two Hundred Fifty rupees.

(ii)      by a recognised union for declaration that the lock-out is illegal.-One Hundred rupees.

(b)      Complaint under section 28 to the Labour Court with reference to Item 1 of Schedule IV to the Act,

(i)       by any union.-Fifty rupees.

 

(ii)      by any employee.-Twenty rupees.

 

(c)      Complaint to the Industrial Court under Section 28 regarding any item in Schedule II or III or IV to the Act.-Fifty rupees.

(i)       When by any union.-Fifty rupees.

 

(ii)      by any employee.-Twenty rupees.

 

(d)      appeal under section 42 and revision under section 44 to the Industrial Court.-Fifty rupees.

 

(e)      application filed under section 50.-Twenty rupees.

 

(f)       other miscellaneous matters not provided in the Act or not recovered by any of the above entries.-Twenty rupees.

(II)     In case of application or reference under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947,

(a)      under section 2(k).-Two Hundred and Fifty rupees.

 

(b)      to the Labour Court under section 2-A in any dispute or difference between workman and his employer connected with or arising out of discharge, dismissal, retrenchment or termination of the workman.-Fifty rupees.

 

(c)      regarding any strikes and lock-outs to the Labour Court under section 24.-One Hundred rupees.

 

(d)      during the conciliation proceedings under sections 33.-Fifty rupees.

 

(e)      in any other miscellaneous case other than referred above.-Twenty rupees.

 

(III)   in case of Application or Reference, under the Bombay Industrial Relations Act, 1946.

(a)      in arbitration proceeding to the Industrial Court under sections 69, 71 and 73-A.-Two Hundred and Fifty rupees.

 

(b)      to the Labour Court under section 78 read with section 79.- Fifty rupees.

 

(c)      appeals filed to the Industrial Court under section 84 or revision applications filed under section 85.-Fifty rupees.

 

(d)      in any other miscellaneous case other than those specified above.-Twenty rupees.

 

(IV)   In case of a Claim or reference, under the section 6A of the Bombay Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1953.-Twenty rupees.

 

(V)     In case of an Application or reference, under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1971.-Twenty rupees.

 

(VI)   In case of an Application, reference, appeal or complaint under the Maharashtra Mathadi, Hamal and other Manual Workers (Regulation of Employment and Welfare) Act, 1969.-Twenty rupees.



[1] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, Dt. 28.4.77 page 3217 

 

[2] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, dt. 28.4.1977 page 3218.

[3] Clause 45(A)(i) and 45(A)(ii) ins. by G.N. NO.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 4.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p. 215-218 (w.e.f. 7.12.2006)

[4] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, dt. 28.4.1977 page 3219.

[5] Added vide G.N. published in MGG Pt.I-L, Dt. 28.4.77 page 3219.

[6] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, dt. 28.4.77 page 3220.

[7] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, Dt. 28.4.77 page 3220.

[8] Subs. vide G.N. Published in MGG. Pt.I-L Ext. P.906, dt. 2.7.1992.

[9] Subs. by G.N. No.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 4.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p.21S-218(w.e.f. 7.12.2006) 

[10] Subs. vide G.N. published in MMG Pt.I-L, dt. 28.4.1977 page 3220.

[11] Subs. by G.N. No.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 4.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p. 215-218 (w.e.f. 7.12.2006)

[12] Rates of fees in Schedule subs. by G.N. No.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 4.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p. 215-218 (w.e.f. 7.12.2006)

[13] Table 'C' ins. by G.N. No.ICM/CS/LCPPR/1295 dated 6.9.2006. MGG. Pt.I-L, dt. 7.12.2006 p. 215-218 (w.e.f. 7.12.2006)