A.K. MATHUR, J.

1. In all these appeals common question of law is involved, therefore, they are disposed of by common order.

2. The main question involved in these appeals is what is the scope of Apprentices Act, 1961 vis a vis the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and the Indian Boilers Act, 1923.

3. The Apprentices Act, 1961 was promulgated primarily for the purpose of recruiting the apprentices. The idea behind was strong industrial base across the country. For the industrial growth it was necessary to have trained man power and for that purpose the apprentices were recruited.

4. The Introduction, Objects and Reasons for enacting this Act reads as under:-

INTRODUCTION

" After India gained independence, a wave to have its own strong industrial base swept the country. Backed by Government policies, industrial growth had a quantum leap. With the industrial growth a need was felt to have trained man-power and for that steps were taken to arrange for training of apprentices in the industry. After some years it necessitated that the training being imparted to the apprentices should be regulated by legislation. Accordingly the Apprentices Bill, 1961 was introduced in a Parliament to provide for the regulation and control of training of apprentices."

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

5. The question of undertaking legislation for regulating the training of apprentices in industry has been under the consideration of the Government for a long time. Expert committees which went into the question have recommended such legislation. Although certain establishment in the public and private sectors have been carrying out programmes of training of skilled workers on a systematic basis, industry in general has not as yet fully organized such programmes. In the context of the Five Year Plan and the large scale industrial development of the country, there is an increasing demand for skilled craftsmen. The Government considers that it is necessary fully to utilize the facilities available for the training of apprentices and to ensure their training in accordance with the programmes, standards and syllabi, drawn up by expert bodies.

6. The Bill is intended to give effect to these objectives."

Now we shall examine the necessary provisions of the.

7. Section 2 deals with the definition. Section 2 (aa) defines "apprentice" which means a person who is undergoing apprenticeship training in pursuance of a contract of apprenticeship.

8. Section 2 (aaa) deals with "apprenticeship training" which means a course of training in any industry or establishment undergone in pursuance of a contract of apprenticeship and under prescribed terms and conditions which may be different for different categories of apprentices.

9. Section 2 (b) deals with "Apprenticeship Adviser" which reads as under:

" Apprenticeship Adviser means the Central Apprenticeship Adviser appointed under sub-section (1) of Section 26 or the State Apprenticeship Adviser appointed under sub-section (2) of that section."

Section 2 (d) defines "Appropriate Government".

10. Section 2 (e) defines designated trade which means a trade of any vocational course which the Central Government, after consultation with the Central Apprenticeship Council, may by notification in the Official Gazette specify as a designated trade for the purposes of this Act.

11. Section 2 (f) deals with "employer" which means any person who employs one or more other persons to do any work in an establishment for remuneration and includes any person entrusted with the supervision and control of employees in such establishment.

12. Section 2 (q) defines "trade apprentice" which means an apprentice who undergoes apprenticeship training in any such trade or occupation as may be prescribed.

13. Section 2 (r) deals with "worker" which means any person who is employed for wages in any kind of work and who gets his wages directly from the employer but shall not include an apprentice referred to in clause (aa).

14. Section 3 defines qualification for being engaged as an apprentice. Only two qualifications are required that he should not be less than fourteen years of age and satisfies such standards or education and physical fitness as may be prescribed.

15. Section 4 which is relevant for our purpose reads as under:-

"Contract of apprenticeship (1) No person shall be engaged as an apprentice to undergo apprenticeship training in a designated trade unless such person or, if he is a minor, his guardian has entered into a contract of apprenticeship with the employer.

(2) The apprenticeship training shall be deemed to have commenced on the date on which the contract of apprenticeship has been entered into under sub-section (1).

(3) Every contract of apprenticeship may contain such terms and conditions as may be agreed to by the parties to the contract:

16. Provided that no such term or condition shall be inconsistent with any provision of this Act or any rule made thereunder.

"(4) Every contract of apprenticeship entered into under sub-section (1) shall be sent by the employer within such period as may be prescribed to the Apprenticeship Adviser for registration.

(5) The Apprenticeship Adviser shall not register a contract of apprenticeship unless he is satisfied that the person described as an apprentice in the contract is qualified under this Act for being engaged as an apprentice to undergo apprenticeship training in the designated trade specified in the contract.

(6) Where the Central Government, after consulting the Central Apprenticeship Counsel, makes any rule varying the terms and conditions of apprenticeship training, of any category of apprentices undergoing such training, then, the terms and conditions of every contract of apprenticeship relating to that category of apprentices and subsisting immediately before the making of such rule shall be deemed to have been modified accordingly."

17. Section 5 deals with the Novation of contract of apprenticeship which reads as under:

" Where an employer with whom a contract of apprenticeship has been entered into, is for any reason, unable to fulfil his obligations under the contract and with the approval of the Apprenticeship Adviser it is agreed between the employer, the apprentice or his guardian and any other employer that the apprentice shall be engaged as an apprentice under the other employer for the unexpired portion of the period of apprenticeship training, the agreement, on registration with the Apprenticeship Adviser, shall be deemed to be the contract of apprenticeship between the apprentice or his guardian and the other employer, and on and from the date of such registration, the contract of apprenticeship with the first employer shall terminate and no obligation under that contract shall be enforceable at the instance of any party to the contract against the other party thereto."

18. Section 6 deals with the period of apprenticeship training which reads as under:-

"6. Period of apprenticeship training :-

The period of apprenticeship training, which shall be specified in the contract of apprenticeship, shall be as follows :--

(a) in the case apprentices who, having undergone institutional training in a school or other institution recognized by the National Council, have passed the trade tests or examinations conducted by that Council or by an institution recognized by that Council the period of apprenticeship training shall be such as may be determined by that Council;

(aa) in the case of trade apprentices who, having undergone institutional training in a school or other institution affiliated to or recognized by a Board or State Council of Technical Education or any other authority which the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette specify in this behalf, have passed the trade tests or examinations conducted by that Board or State Council or authority, the period of apprenticeship training shall be such as may be prescribed;

(b) in the case of other apprentices the period of apprenticeship training shall be such as may be prescribed;

(c) in the case of graduate or technician apprentice technician (vocational) apprentice, the period of apprenticeship training shall be such as may be prescribed."

19. Section 7 deals with the termination of apprenticeship Contract which reads as under:

" 7. Termination of apprenticeship contract -

(1) The contract of apprenticeship shall terminate on the expiry of the period of apprenticeship training.

(2) Either party to a contract of apprenticeship may make an application to the Apprenticeship Adviser for the termination of the contract, and when such application is made, shall send by post a copy thereof to the other party to the contract.

(3) After considering the contents of the application and the objections, if any, filed by the other party, the Apprenticeship Adviser may, by order in writing, terminate the contract if he is satisfied that the parties to the contract or any of them have or has failed to carry out the terms and conditions of the contract and that it is desirable in the interests of the parties or any of them to terminate the same:

Provided that where a contract is terminated-

(a) for failure on the part of the employer to carry out the terms and conditions of the contract, the employer shall pay to the apprentice such compensation as may be prescribed;

(b) for such failure on the part of the apprentice the apprentice or his guardian shall refund to the employer as cost of training such amount as may be determined by the Apprenticeship Adviser.

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this act, where a contract of apprenticeship has been terminated by the Apprenticeship Adviser before the expiry of the period of apprenticeship training and a new contract of apprenticeship is being entered into with a new employer, the Apprenticeship Adviser may, if he is satisfied that the contract of apprenticeship with the previous employer could not be completed because of any lapse on the part of the previous employer, permit the period of apprenticeship training already undergone by the apprentice with his previous employer to be included in the period of apprenticeship training to be undertaken with the new employer."

20. Section 8 deals with the number of apprentices for a designated trade.

21. Section 9 deals with practical and basic training of apprentices.

22. Section 10 deals with the related instruction of apprentices.

23. Section 11 deals with the obligations of employers which is relevant for our purpose which reads as under:-

"11. Obligations of employers Without prejudice to the other provisions of this Act every employer shall have the following obligations in relation to an apprentice, namely -

(a) to provide the apprentice with the training in his trade in accordance with the provisions of this Act, and the rules made thereunder;

(b) if the employer is not himself qualified in the trade, to ensure that a person who possesses the prescribed qualifications is placed in charge of the training of the apprentice;

(bb) to provide adequate instructional staff, possessing such qualifications as may be prescribed for imparting practical and theoretical training and facilities for trade test of apprentices; and

(c) to carry out his obligations under the contract of apprenticeship."

24. Section 12 deals with the Obligations of apprentices which reads as under:

"12. Obligations of apprentices (1) Every apprentice undergoing apprenticeship training shall have the following obligations, namely :-

(a) to learn his trade conscientiously and diligently and endeavour to qualify himself as a skilled craftsman before the expiry of the period of training;

(b) to attend practical and instructional classes regularly;

(c) to carry out all lawful orders of his employer and superiors in the establishment; and

(d) to carry out his obligations under the contract of apprenticeship.

(2) Every graduate or technician apprentice or technician (vocational) apprentice undergoing apprenticeship training shall have the following obligations, namely:-

(a) to learn his subject field in engineering or technology or vocational course conscientiously and diligently at his place of training;

(b) to attend the practical and instructional classes regularly;

(c) to carry out all lawful orders of his employer and superiors in the establishment;

(c) to carry out his obligations under the contract of apprenticeship which shall include the maintenance of such records of his work as may be prescribed."

25. Section 13 regarding payment to apprentices which reads as under:

"13. Payment to apprentices

(1) The employer shall pay to every apprentice during the period of apprenticeship training such stipend at a rate not less than the prescribed minimum rate, or the rate which was being paid by the employer on 1st January, 1970 to the category of apprentices under which such apprentices falls, whichever is higher, as may be specified in the contract of apprenticeship and the stipend so specified shall be paid at such intervals and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.

(2) An apprentice shall not be paid by his employer on the basis of piece work nor shall he be required to take part in any output bonus or other incentive scheme."

26. Section 14 deals with Health, safety and welfare of apprentices.

27. Section 15 deals with hours of work, overtime, leave and holidays.

28. Section 16 deals with the employers liability for compensation for injury.

29. Section 18 deals with the Apprentices are trainees and not workers which reads as under:

" 18. Apprentices are trainees and not workers

Save as otherwise provided in this Act, -

(a) every apprentice undergoing apprenticeship training in a designated trade in an establishment shall be a trainee and not a worker; and

(b) the provisions of any law with respect to labour shall not apply to or in relation to such apprentice."

Section 19 deals with the records and returns.

30. Section 20 deals with settlement of disputes which is relevant for our purpose reads as under:

"20. Settlement of disputes (1) Any disagreement or dispute between an employer and an apprentice arising out of the contract of apprenticeship shall be referred to the Apprenticeship Adviser for decision.

(2) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Apprenticeship Adviser under sub-section (1) within thirty days from the date of communication to him of such decision, prefer an appeal against the decision to the Apprenticeship Council and such appeal shall be heard and determined by a Committee of that Council appointed for the purpose.

(3) The decision of the Committee under sub-section (2) and subject only to such decision of the Apprenticeship Adviser under sub-section (1) shall be final."

31. Section 21 deals with holding of test and grant of certificate and conclusion of training which reads as under:-

"21 Holding of test and grant of certificate and conclusion of training (1) Every apprentice who has completed the period of training shall appear for a test to be conducted by the National Council to determine his proficiency in the designated trade in which he has served his apprenticeship training.

(2) Every apprentice who passes the test referred to in sub-section (1) shall be granted a certificate of proficiency in the trade by the National Council.

(3) The progress in apprenticeship training of every graduate or technician apprentice technician (vocational) apprentice shall be assessed by the employer from time to time.

(4) Every graduate or technician apprentice or technician (vocational) apprentice who completes his apprenticeship training to the satisfaction of the concerned Regional Board, shall be granted a certificate of proficiency by the Board."

Section 22 deals with offer and acceptance of employment which reads as under:

" 22. Offer and acceptance of employment: (1) It shall not be obligatory on the part of the employer to offer any employment to any apprentice who has completed the period of his apprenticeship training in his establishment, nor shall it be obligatory on the part of the apprentice to accept an employment under the employer.

(2) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (1), where there is a condition in a contract of apprenticeship that the apprentice shall, after the successful completion of the apprenticeship training, serve the employer, the employer shall, on such completion, be bound to offer suitable employment to the apprentice, and the apprentice shall be bound to serve the employer in that capacity for such period and on such remuneration as may be specified in the contract:

Provided that where such period or remuneration is not, in the opinion of the Apprenticeship Adviser, reasonable, he may revise such period or remuneration so as to make it reasonable, and the period or remuneration so revised shall be deemed to be the period or remuneration agreed to between the apprentice and the employer."

32. Chapter III of the deals with the authorities like the powers of the Apprenticeship Adviser, Powers of entry, inspection, etc. Offences and penalties, etc.

33. Section 37 deals with the power to make rules. In exercise of this power Central Government in consultation with Central Apprenticeship Council has framed "The Apprenticeship Rules 1992".

34. Rule 6 requires that every employer shall send to the Apprenticeship Adviser the contract of apprenticeship for registration within three months of the date on which it was signed.

35. Rule 7 deals with the period of apprenticeship training as may be specified in the schedule.

36. Rule 8 deals with the termination of the apprenticeship which reads as under:

"8 Compensation for termination of apprenticeship Where the contract of apprenticeship is terminated through failure on the part of any employer in carrying out the terms and conditions thereof, such employer shall be liable to pay the apprentice compensation of an amount equivalent to his three months last drawn stipend."

37. Rule 11 deals with payment of stipend to apprentices.

Rule 12 deals with the hours of work.

Rule 13 deals with the grant of leave to apprentices.

Rule 14 deals with the records and returns.

38. In this background of the and Rules, the question which arises for interpretation is what is the effect of non-registration of the contract because sub-section (4) of Section 4 read with Rule 6 require that every contract of apprentice shall be sent by the employer to the apprenticeship adviser for registration within three months. Therefore, in case the contract of apprenticeship is not sent to the apprenticeship adviser for registration what will be the effect thereof

39. As per the scheme of the it appears that the contract of apprentice is entered with employer & apprentice, and he has to undergo a training for fixed duration & he will get stipend for that. After the successfully undergoing training he appears for test for certificate as required under Section 21. During the training period he will be treated as an apprentice and he shall not be deemed as a workman as per Section 18 of theread with definition of workman under section 2(r). It is ordained in sub-section (b) of Section 18 that provisions of any law with respect to labour shall not apply to or in relation to such apprentices. Therefore, on a reading of all the provisions together what it transpires is that apprentices will be treated as apprentice and he will not acquire a status of workman in that establishment. After the successful completion of the training he will undergo a test and on being successful in the test a certificate to that effect will be issued to him as per Section 21. It is open for the employer to offer him employment but it will not be obligatory on the part of the apprentice to serve that employer as per Section 22 except when there is specific condition of contract to that effect. During the course when he undergoes the apprenticeship training he is only entitled to get stipend under Rule 11 at such rate as are prescribed in the Rules.

40. Therefore a combined reading of the Sections as well as Rules makes it clear that the apprentices are only the persons undergo training and during that training they are entitled to get a particular stipend, they have to work for a fixed hours and at the end of period of training they have to appear in the test and a certificate is issued to them. There is no obligation on the part of the employer to give them any employment whatsoever. The position of the apprentice remains as an apprentice/a trainee and during the period of training they will not be treated as a workman. Only obligation on the part of the employer is to impart them training as per provisions of Act & Rules and to pay them stipend as required under Rule 11 and beyond that there is no obligation on the part of the employer to accept them as his employees and give them a status of workmen. There is no relation of master & servant or employer & employee.

41. In this background, we will examine the position vis a vis the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and the Indian Boilers Act, 1923. In this connection, a reference may be made to Section 2(z) of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. This definition of the workman is pari materia with that of the Industrial Disputes Act Section 2(s). Section 2(z) of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 which reads as under:

" workman means any person ( including an apprentice) employed in any industry to do any skilled or unskilled manual, supervisory, technical or clerical work for hire or reward, whether the terms of employment be expressed or implied, and for the purposes of any proceeding under this Act in relation to an industrial dispute, includes any such person who has been dismissed, discharged or retrenched in connection with, or as a consequence of, that dispute, or whose dismissal, discharge or retrenchment has led to that dispute, but does not include any such person-

(i) who is subject to the Army Act, 1950 or the Air Force Act, 1950, or the Navy (Discipline) Act,1934; or

(ii) who is employed in the police service or as an officer or other employee of a prison; or

(iii) who is employed mainly in a managerial or administrative capacity; or

(iv) who, being employed in a supervisory capacity, draws wages exceeding five hundred rupees per mensem or exercises, either by the nature of the duties attached to the office or by reason of the powers vested in him, functions mainly of a managerial nature."

42. Since the definition of workman as given in Section 2(z) of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 is pari materia with that of Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, therefore, no useful purpose would be served by reproducing the definition of workman as given in Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Our attention was also invited to Section 6(N) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which lays down the conditions precedent to retrenchment of workmen. Section 6(N) of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 reads as under:

" 6N. Conditions precedent to retrenchment of workmen.- No workman employed in any industry who has been in continuous service for not less than one year under an employer shall be retrenched by that employer until-

(a) the workman has been given one months notice in writing indicating the reasons for retrenchment and the period of notice has expired or the workman has been paid in lieu of such notice wages for the period of the notice;

Provided that no such notice shall be necessary if the retrenchment is under an agreement which specifies a date for the termination of service;

(b) the workman has been paid, at the time of retrenchment, compensation which shall be equivalent to fifteen days average pay for every completed year of service or any part thereof in excess of six months, and

(c) notice in the prescribed manner is served on the State Government."

43. It is pari materia with that of Section 25(F) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Therefore, no useful purpose would be served by reproducing that definition.

44. In this connection, reference may be made to the definition of Industrial Dispute as defined in Section 2(l) of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 which reads as under :

" (l) Industrial Dispute means any dispute or difference between employees and employers, or between employers and workmen, or between workmen and workmen, which is connected with the employment or non-employment or the term of employment or with the conditions of labour, or any person; but does not include an industrial dispute concerning-

(i) any industry carried on by or under the authority of the Central Government or by a Railway Company, or

(ii) such controlled industry as may be specified in this behalf by Central Government, or

(iii) banking and insurance companies as defined in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, or

(iv) a mine or an oil-field;"

45. This definition of Industrial Dispute is pari materia with that of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 as defined in Section 2(k) but the definition of Section 2(k) is not as wide as that of Section 2(l) of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Therefore, the said definition is reproduced as under:

" (k) " industrial dispute" means any dispute or difference between employers and employers, or between employers and workmen, or between workmen and workmen, which is connected with the employment or non-employment or the terms of employment or with the conditions of labour, of any person;"

46. Similarly, our attention was also drawn to some of the provisions of the Indian Boilers Act, 1923 which lays down as to how the employer should maintain the boilers, and prohibits using un-certificated boiler. It is required to obtain necessary certification. It also deals with the penalties for breach of the conditions for maintenance of the boilers.

47. In the background of the provisions of the four enactments, the main question which has been agitated by learned counsel for the appellant is that if an incumbent is appointed as an apprentice/trainee and even if a contract of such apprenticeship has not been registered, then also he does not cease to be an apprentice and his position does not become that of a workman. As against this, learned counsel for the respondents has strenuously urged before us that non-registration of the contract of apprenticeship under sub-section (4) of Section 4 of the Apprentices Act, 1961, with the Apprenticeship Adviser would result in the breach of the contract and the status of an incumbent is changed from the apprentice to that of a workman. Therefore, the question arose that whether registration of the contract under sub-section (4) of Section 4 is mandatory or directory and in case, it is a mandatory, then what is the effect, if it is directory, then what is the effect thereof. In this connection, it was submitted that the word shall appearing in sub-section 4 of Section 4 means the registration of the contract is mandatory and if it is not registered then the contract ceases and the incumbent becomes workman. In this connection reference was made to a decision in the case of P.T. Rajan vs. T.P.M. Sahir & Ors. reported in (2003) 8 SCC 498 [LQ/SC/2003/998] . It was also submitted that the Apprentices Act, 1961 is a welfare legislation and it should be construed liberally for the benefit of the workman. In this connection, our attention was drawn to the decisions of this Court in the cases of Air India Statutory Corporation and Ors. Vs. United Labour Union & Ors. and Secretary, H.S.E.B. vs. Suresh & Ors; reported in (1997) 9 SCC 377 [LQ/SC/1996/2130] and (1999) 3 SCC 601 [LQ/SC/1999/331] . It was also submitted that the nature of work and the nomenclature of the post is not decisive. In this connection, our attention was also drawn to a decision of this Court in the case of Surya Prasad Singh and Anr. vs. Labour Court II, Kanpur and Anr. reported in 1995 Supp.(4) SCC 38.

48. Therefore, now going back to the basic question that in the light of the aforesaid statutory provisions whether non-registration of the contract can render the contract void or illegal and what is the result thereof. From the scheme of things it is more than apparent that the Apprentices Act, 1961 is a complete code in itself and it lays down the conditions of the apprentices, what shall be their tenure, what shall be their terms and conditions and what are their obligations and what are the obligations of the employer. It also lays down that the apprentices are trainees and not workmen and if any dispute arises then the settlement has to be done by the Apprenticeship Adviser as per Section 20 of the Apprentices Act, 1961 and his decision thereof is final. Now, under the scheme of these things, it clearly shows that the nature and character of the apprentice is nothing but that of a trainee and he is supposed to enter into a contract and by virtue of that contract he is to serve for a fixed period on a fixed stipend. This will not change the character of the apprentice to that of a workman under the employer where he is undergoing the apprentice training. Sub-section (4) of Section 4 only lays down that such contract should be registered with the Apprenticeship Adviser. But by non-registration of the contract, the position of the apprentice is not changed to that of a workman. It is more than clear from the scheme of the, the apprentice is recruited for the purpose of training as defined in Section 2(aa) of the Apprentices Act, 1961, that an apprentice is a person who is undergoing apprenticeship training in pursuance of a contract of apprenticeship and the apprenticeship training has been defined under Section 2(aaa). That clearly speaks that an apprentice is to undergo apprenticeship training in any industry or establishment under the employer in pursuance of the contract and in terms of the conditions pertaining to that particular trade. Section 6 lays down that what shall be the period of training and Section 7 very clearly shows that the contract of apprenticeship shall terminate on the expiry of the period of apprenticeship training. Therefore, it is more than clear that the nature and character of the apprentice is that of a trainee only and on the expiry of the training there is no corresponding obligation on the part of the employer to employ him which is also very clear from the provisions of Section 7 that the apprenticeship training shall terminate on the expiry of the period of training. It further makes clear that by virtue of Section 18 that the apprentice trainees are not workers. It clearly lays down that if an apprentice trainee is undergoing apprenticeship training in a designated trade in an establishment, he shall be a trainee and not a worker. It further contemplates that the provisions of labour laws shall not apply in relation to such apprentice. In this connection reference to definition of workman given in Section 2(r) also emphasis that it will not include apprentice. Section 20 also lays down that how a dispute arising under this Apprentices Act, 1961 can be settled. The authority for resolving such a dispute has been given to the Apprenticeship Adviser. Therefore, any dispute which arises with the apprentice and the employer then remedy has been provided under this Act and not by way of resorting to the Labour Court. Therefore, throughout the stress has been laid that the apprentices are never being treated as workers. Simply because the contract has not been registered with the Apprenticeship Adviser, that will not change the nature and character of the apprentices. It is true that sub-section (4) of Section 4 lays down that the contract of apprenticeship should be registered with the Apprenticeship Adviser so that the Apprenticeship Adviser can monitor and keep a record thereof. Just because the contract of apprenticeship is not registered that will not render the contract as invalid resulting in change of status of an apprentice to that of a workman. Section 21 further lays down that after the completion of the training of the apprentice, an incumbent will have to appear for a test to be conducted by the National Council to determine his proficiency in the designated trade in which he has undergone his apprenticeship training. Therefore, had there been an intention of the Legislature to confer them the status of a workman then all the provisions would not have been warranted at all. Section 22 makes it abundantly clear that at the end of the apprenticeship training, it is not obligatory on the part of the employer to offer an employment to an apprentice who has completed the period of apprenticeship . It is only if the terms of the contract of the apprenticeship lays down a condition that on successful completion of an apprenticeship training, an employer will offer him an employment then it is obligatory on the part of the employer to do so. If there is no such condition stipulated in the apprenticeship contract then the employer cannot be compelled to offer employment to such apprentice. At the same time, it is not obligatory on the part of apprentice to serve that employer if there is no such stipulation to this effect. So it is mutual thing & it depends on the terms of contract. The survey of all these provisions of thes and the Rules as mentioned above, makes it clear that the character & status of apprentice remains the same & he does not become workman and labour laws are not attracted.

49. Now, coming to the question that the expression appearing in sub section (4) of Section 4, "shall" should be interpreted as mandatory. It depends upon the context in which such expression appears. In order to interpret the word "shall" appearing in any enactment one has to see the context in which it appears and the effect thereof. We have already quoted the Introduction, Statement of Objects and Reasons above. The Objects and Reasons reveal that the was enacted for the purpose of recruiting the apprentices for developing a strong industrial base. In order to have a strong industrial base, trained man power is essential and for that purpose the was enacted so that for the industrial growth in the country the trained man power is made easily available. The purpose is to train the people for employing them in the industries, it was never the intention that those trained candidates automatically become the workmen. Though training was imparted by Private & Public Sector but industry in general did not fully organize such programme. Therefore, the intention of the is basically to recruit and train person capable of being employed in the industries. Apart from the statement of Objects and Reasons we have already reproduced above relevant provisions of the which clearly contemplates that such trained persons shall not fall in the definition of the workmen as the definition of workmen specifically excludes the apprentices as defined in Section 2 (r). The definition makes it clear that they are apprentices for a purpose undergoing a training and in Section 18 it has been clearly mentioned that they will not be treated as a workmen and they will be treated as a trainee and no labour laws will apply in relation to such apprentices. Viewing the expression "shall" in this context, cannot be construed as a mandatory. Sub-section (4) of Section 4 only says that the contract of apprenticeship should be forwarded to the Adviser that is purely ministerial/administrative act so that a proper record is maintained by the Apprenticeship Adviser. Nothing turns beyond this. It is purely administrative act and not forwarding contract of the apprenticeship to the Apprenticeship Adviser will not change the character of the incumbent and it will not render the contract of apprenticeship invalid or void. If the contract of apprenticeship is to be treated as a mandatory and contract is not sent then the effect will be that the apprentice will not be entitled to any benefit flowing from the. In fact, by treating the expression "shall" here as a mandatory it will be more counter productive to the interest of the trainees rather than for their benefit. The employer can take a shelter under the plea that since the contract of the employment has not been registered with the Apprentice Adviser, therefore, he is not under any obligation to pay stipend to the apprentice trainees and he is not under an obligation to impart the training to him also. Had that been the intention of the Legislature then they would have provided the necessary penalty for breach of the non-registration of the contract of apprenticeship. But that has not been done so because under Section 30 of the Apprentices Act, 1961 any offence arising under this Act has been penalized, like apprentice who is not qualified but he has been engaged or fails to carry out the terms and conditions of contract of apprenticeship or contravenes the provisions of the relating to number of apprentices or any information required to be furnished or the apprentice has been allowed to work overtime without approval of the Apprenticeship Adviser or employs an apprentice on any work which is not connected with his training or makes any payment to apprentice on the basis of piece work or requires an apprentice to take part in any output bonus or scheme. These breaches have been termed as offences and have been made punishable. But the non-registration of it has not been construed to be an offence so as to expose the employer for any penalty. Therefore, the expression "shall" appearing in sub-section (4) of Section 4 does not appear to be mandatory. Had that to be construed to be mandatory it will be doing a great violence to the intention of the as well as to the interest of the apprentices/trainees. If the non-registration is to result in the breach of a contract resulting in to invalidity & unenforceable then in that case it will be oppressive to the interest of the apprentices as the employer can get away by seeking a declaration that the apprentice contract was not registered therefore he is not under an obligation to abide by the terms of the contract. Therefore, viewing the expression "shall" in this context, it can not be construed to be mandatory and it is directory. In this connection, reference may be made to the decision of this Court in the case of P.T. Rajan vs. T.P.M. Sahir & Ors. (2003) 8 SCC 498 [LQ/SC/2003/998] . Their Lordships observed that context, purport and object of the statute is to be ascertained that whether "shall" to be construed as a mandatory or directory. In that context, their Lordships referred to an earlier catena of decisions and observed "where a statutory functionary is asked to perform a statutory duty between time prescribed same would be directory and not mandatory. Furthermore, a provision in a statute which is procedural in nature although employs the word "shall" may not be held to be mandatory if thereby no prejudice is caused. The Court cannot supply casus omissus." Their Lordships have further observed as follows:

" A statute must be read in the text and context thereof. Whether statute is a directory or mandatory would not be dependent on the user of the word "shall" or "may". Such a question must be posed and answered having regard to the purpose and object it seeks to achieve. The construction of statute will depend on the purport and object for which the same had been used."

50. Therefore, viewing the provision of this Act in the light of the discussion made above, we are of the opinion that the expression "shall" appearing in sub-section (4) of Section 4 shall be construed directory and not mandatory.

51. It was also submitted by the learned counsel for the appellants that this is a labour legislation which should be construed liberally and in that context our attention has been invited to a decision of this Court in Secretary, HSEB vs. Suresh & Ors. (1999) 3 SCC 601 [LQ/SC/1999/331] . In this case, their Lordships held that Court must decide in interest of the public inspired by principle of justice, equity and good conscience. Similarly, in the case of Air India Statutory Corpn.& Ors. Vs. United Labour Union & Ors. (1997) 9 SCC 377 [LQ/SC/1996/2130] (though this case is no more a good law with regard to the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act 1970 because subsequent decision of the Constitution Bench has reversed this decision in the case of Steel Authority of India Ltd. vs. National Union Watrerfront Workers reported in (2001) 7 SCC 1 [LQ/SC/2001/1897] . But this case has been cited in the context of the interpretation of statute that how social welfare legislation should be interpreted. In that context their Lordships have observed that such a social legislation providing for a economic empowerment to workers and poor class a provision should be considered in the light of the public law principles not of private or a common laws. So far as the philosophy behind construing a social legislation is concerned, there is no two opinion, social legislation are primarily meant for welfare of the particular section of the society and it should be construed liberally so as to advance the cause of the public at large. But the question is in the present case whether the expression "shall" should be read mandatory so as to advance the cause of the apprentice or not. In our opinion, viewing from social legislation point of view the word "shall" appearing in sub-section (4) of Section 4 should be construed as directory because it will be for the benefit of the apprentice trainee otherwise it will be oppressive to the welfare of the apprentice as the employer can get away by not getting the contract of apprentice registered, seeking a declaration that this is a unregistered document and all benefits flowing from the cannot be enforced against him.

52. Therefore, we hold that the expression "shall" appearing in sub-section (4) of Section 4 of the Apprentices Act, 1961 is directory and non-registration of the contract will not change the character of the apprentice and they will not acquire the status of a workmen. Once an incumbent is appointed as an apprentice he will continue to be apprentice unless a formal order of appointment is followed.

53. It is also necessary to mention here that the definition of the word workman as given in Section 2(z) of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Both the definitions includes apprentice. But the expression appearing in Section 2 (z) of the U.P Industrial Disputes Act and Industrial Disputes Act 1947 are not applicable to the apprentices appointed under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The Apprentices Act is a code in itself and it clearly stipulates that in Section 2 (aa) apprentice means a person who is undergoing apprenticeship training in pursuance of contract of training and the workers are employed for wages for work done by them. Section 18 clearly mentions that the apprentices are not workmen and "the provisions of any law with respect to labour law shall not apply or in relation to such apprentices". Therefore, reading of definition of apprentice in Sections 2(aa) and 2(r) read with Section 18 of the Apprentices Act leaves no manner of doubt that this Act which is special Act it does not cover the apprentices and it precludes the application of any other labour laws, i.e. U.P. Industrial Disputes Act & Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. When both these Acts are not applicable then labour court/industrial Tribunal will not have any jurisdiction to entertain any dispute arising therefrom. The application of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act 1947 and the Industrial Disputes Act 1947 automatically stand excluded.

54. In this connection reference may be made to a decision of the Rajasthan High Court in the case of Hanuman Prasad Choudhary and Etc. vs. Rajasthan State Electricity Board, Jaipur 1986 LAB I.C. 1014 wherein Justice S.C. Agrawal (as he then was) observed thus:-

"An apprentice governed by the Apprentices Act is not a workman for the purpose of the Industrial Disputes Act and the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act would not be applicable to him.

There is apparent conflict between the provisions of S.2(s) Industrial Disputes Act and S.18 of the Apprentices Act inasmuch as S.2(s) postulates that an apprentice is a workman to whom the provisions of Industrial Disputes Act would be applicable whereas S.18 of the Apprentices Act declares that an apprentice governed by the Apprentices Act is not to be treated as a workman and the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act would not be applicable to him. The conflict between the two laws can be resolved by applying the principle of harmonious construction. Apprentices Act is not an exhaustive Act to cover all types of apprentices because in view of the definition of term "apprentice" as contained in S.2(aa) of the Apprentices Act, it is applicable only to persons who are undergoing apprenticeship training in pursuance of the contract of Apprentices executed under S.4 of the said Act. It is possible to visualise persons who may be engaged as apprentices but who are not covered by the Apprentices Act. In that view of the matter, it can be said that for the purpose of S.2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act a person who is designated as Apprentice but is not governed by the Apprentices Act would be a workman governed by the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act. But an apprentice who is governed by the provisions of the Apprentices Act would not be a workman under S.2(s) of he Industrial Disputes Act and would not be governed by the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act.

Apart from the principle of harmonious construction, the Apprentices Act 1961 being a subsequent particular law as compared to I.D. Act, 1947 which is prior and general , the provisions of Apprentices Act 1961 would prevail over those of I.D. Act."

55. Our attention was invited to a decision of Kerala High Court in the case of Bhaskaran vs. Kerala State Electricity Board reported in 1986 KLT 447 wherein Chief Justice Malimath speaking for the Bench observed as under:

"In order to answer the definitions of the word "apprentice", two conditions are required to be satisfied viz, (1) that the person is undergoing apprenticeship training and (2) that he is undergoing such training in pursuance of a contract of apprenticeship. On a plain reading of the definition of the expression " apprentice" occurring in S.2 (aa) it becomes clear that registration of a contract of apprenticeship not necessary for the person answering the description of the word "apprentice". Sub-section 4 of Section 4 contemplates the existence of a concluded contract of apprenticeship, which is required to be sent up for registration. It therefore, becomes clear that it is the existing contract of apprenticeship that is required to be registered and not that such contract becomes a contract of apprenticeship only after it is registered as required by sub-section 4 of Section 4 of the. As it is admitted that the petitioners have entered into a contract of apprenticeship and were undergoing training in pursuance of such a contract, they satisfy all the requirements of the definition of the expression "apprentice" occurring in Section 2(aa) of the. That being the position, the provisions of Section 18 of thecome into operation. Therefore, the petitioners cannot be regarded as workers and therefore, the provisions of Section 25F of the Industrial Disputes Act are not attracted to the facts of the case."

56. Similarly, the Single Bench of the Allahabad High Court in the case of U.P. State Electricity Board & Ors. vs. P.O.Labour Court, Kanpur & Ors. reported in 1998 (78) FLR 511 observed as under:-

" Section 18 of theprovides that an apprentice shall be a trainee and not a worker and the provisions of any law with respect to labour shall not apply to or in relation to such apprentice. The respondent No.2 was thus not a workman and no dispute could be referred to the Labour Court and the period of his training having come to an end, the action of the petitioner employer in not engaging him any further was in accordance with the contract entered into between the parties and the provisions of the."

57. As against this our attention was also invited to a decision of Division Bench of Gujarat High Court between Ballkhan Doskhan Joya and Gujarat Electricity Board reported in 2002 (92) FLR 914. [LQ/GujHC/2001/5] The Gujarat High Court has taken the view that as a result of non-registration of contract of apprenticeship an incumbent shall not be deemed to be a trainee and he would be covered by the definition of workman under Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and he will get the protection of Section 25-F of the said Act. Similarly, Single Judge of Gujarat High Court took the same view in the case of State of Gujarat & Anr. vs. Chauhan Ramjibhai Karsanbhai reported 2004 (102) FLR 347. [LQ/GujHC/2003/206] And our attention was also invited to a decision of Madhya Pradesh High Court in M.P. Electricity Board & Ors. vs. Basant Kumar & Ors. reported in 1989 JLJ 253. [LQ/MPHC/1989/52] This was a case decided on the facts that the M.P. Electricity Board did not notify the incumbent for a designated trade and employee continued undergone apprentice training and it was not proved that the concerned employee was undergoing apprentice training. It was in that context it was found that the termination of services of the incumbent was bad.

58. In view of the conflicting decisions of the various High Courts, we are of the opinion that the view taken by the Rajasthan, Kerala and Allahabad High Courts appears to be in consonance with the view taken by us and we do not agree with the view subscribed by the High Courts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

59. In view of the legal position crystallized above, we shall examine the individual cases.

Civil Appeal No.2429/2003.

60. Respondent No.1 , Shiv Mohan Singh was appointed as a apprentice Boiler Attendant under the Apprentices Act, 1961 from 11.4.1985 to 10.4.1988 and underwent training of the U.P.State Electricity Board. His contract was drawn up but not registered with the Apprenticeship Adviser. He completed his three years training and a certificate to this effect was issued to him and he was directed to appear before the National Council and on passing thereof he was to be awarded a certificate of proficiency as a Boiler Attendant. From this fact it is apparent that he was appointed as an apprentice trainee in the designated Trade of Boiler Attendant. After completion of his training his services were terminated on 10.4.1988. It is clear from this fact that he was a Boiler Attendant. He completed three years training and after end of the training he was relieved as per the terms and conditions of the appointment as an apprentice in designated trade of Boiler Attendant and therefore he cannot be declared to be a worker under the he cannot claim the benefit of Section 25-F of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 or under Section 6N of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. In this light the award given by the Labour Court in Award Dispute No.166/1991 dated 12.8.1993 and the order dated 26.9.2002 passed in W.P.No.21560/1995 by the High Court cannot be sustained. Civil Appeal is allowed. Both the orders of the High Court dated 26.9.2002 and the award of the Labour Court dated 12.8.1993 are set aside.

Civil Appeal No.7005/2003:

61. In this case also respondent No.1- Ram Niwas Pal was appointed on 31.3.1986 as an apprentice in the designated trade of Boiler Attendant and his serves were terminated on 31.3.1989. He also entered into a contract of apprenticeship and the contract of apprenticeship was registered with the Apprenticeship Adviser as per the reply sent by Shri G.K.Chaturvedi, Principal and Asst. Apprenticeship Adviser, I.T.I., Kanpur. So far as this case is concerned, there is no manner of doubt that the contract of apprenticeship was registered with the Apprenticeship Adviser and at the end of the contract his services had been terminated as he was an apprentice and an apprentice is not a workman. Therefore, termination of service after the expiry of the contract period was justified and the order passed by the Labour Court as well as by the High Court cannot be sustained. Accordingly, the Civil Appeal is allowed and the award dated 28.12.1994 made in Adjudication Case No.107/1991 by the Labour Court and the order dated 12.4.2002 passed by the High Court in Civil Misc. Writ .Petition No.15022 of 1995 are set aside.

Civil Appeal No.7006/2003.

62. In this case respondent No.2-Amar Nath Mishra was appointed on 1.7.1987 as an apprentice in the designated trade of Boiler Attendant and his services were terminated on 30.6.1990. A contract was entered into between respondent No.2 and the employer-company. But the contract was not registered with the Apprenticeship Adviser. As mentioned above, as an apprentice trainee he cannot acquire the status of a workman and therefore, he cannot get the benefit of Section 25-F of the Industrial Disputes Act as well as Section 6N of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. As such the award dated 11.10.1993 made by the Labour Court in Industrial Dispute No.252/1992 and the order dated 12.4.2002 passed by the High Court in Civil Misc. Writ Petition No.29962/1994 are set aside. The Appeal is allowed. No order as to costs.

Civil Appeal No.8383/2003.

63. Respondent No.1- Navneet Kumar Sharma was appointed as an apprentice in the designated trade of Boiler Attendant on 9.3.1982 and his services were terminated on 8.3.1985. It is alleged that his contract was not registered with the Apprenticeship Adviser. He raised the industrial dispute in 1994 which came to be registered as Industrial Dispute No.330/1994 before the Labour Court( 2nd), U.P. Kanpur. The allegation was that he is a workman and his termination is bad because he has already worked for more than 240 days but his services were terminated without complying with the provisions of Section 6N of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The respondent No.1 approached the Labour Court after ten years and an objection was raised by the employer in their affidavit in opposition before the Labour Court. However, in view of the fact that the incumbent was appointed as an apprentice under the Apprentices Act, 1961 in a designated trade of Boiler Attendant and that he is not a workman and he is not entitled to the benefit of Section 6N of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and secondly he raised the dispute after ten years, therefore, the order passed by the Labour Court dated 13.5.1998 and that of the Single Judge of the High Court cannot be sustained. Accordingly, the appeal is allowed. Award dated 13.5.1998 passed by the Labour Court in Industrial Dispute No.330/1994 and the order dated 15.7.2003 passed by the High Court in Civil Misc. Writ Petition No.37450/1999 cannot be sustained and the same are set aside.

Civil Appeal No. 8384/2003.

64. Respondent- Jagat Pal was appointed on 19.9.1975 as an apprentice in the designated trade of Lineman under the Apprentices Act, 1961. His services were terminated on 23.12.1978. The Labour Court in its award dated 9.11.1998 has recorded a finding that respondent was appointed by the Establishment on 19.9.1975 under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and he worked up to 18.9.1978. A dispute was raised by the employee which came to be registered as Industrial Dispute No.90/1997 and an objection was raised by the Management that the services had been terminated in 1978 and the dispute has been raised in 1997. More so in view of the legal position as mentioned above that the incumbent having been appointed as apprentice under the Apprentices Act, cannot be treated as a workman and consequently the award given by the Labour Court on 9.11.1998 and affirmed by the High Court vide order dated 15.7.2003 passed in Civil Misc. Writ Petition No.16394/1999 cannot be sustained. Accordingly, the appeal is allowed and the order dated 15.7.2003 passed by the High Court and the award passed by the Labour Court dated 9.11.1998 are set aside. No order as to costs.

Civil Appeal No.9231/2003.

65. In this case, a dispute was raised by the U.P. Rashtriya Vidyut Shramik Sangh about six of its members who were appointed as a trade apprentice and their services were terminated illegally.

Details of the members are as under:

Name of Incumbent Period of service Date of termination

Abhitabh Chatterjee 21.4.1982 to 20.4.1983 21.4.1983

Sadhna Srivastava 19.10.1984 to 18.10.1985 19.10.1985

Suman Srivastava 19.10.1984 to 18.10.1985 19.10.1985

Prem Chandra 30.4.1986 to 29.4.1987 30.4.1987

Akhilesh Kumar 10.10.1988 to 9.10.1989 10.10.1989

Kumari Kiran 10.10.1988 to 9.10.1989 10.10.1989

66. The case of the Union was all these incumbents were appointed as apprentices in various trades and no contract form was got filled up from them under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961 nor was the same registered nor any examination of National Council was held for them nor any certificate was issued to them, therefore they continued to be workmen of the Management as per the Standing Orders of the Management. The Management took the stand that they are apprentices and they cannot be treated as workmen. It was stated on affidavit in reply by the Superintending Engineer (Headquarters), Kanpur Electricity Supply Administration (U.P.State Electricity Board, Kanpur) that all these incumbents were appointed as apprentices for a period of one year as Clerks 7 to 9 years back and their services were terminated after the expiry of apprentice period and the labour dispute was raised in 1996. It was also pointed out that the tenure of their apprenticeship was for a period of one year. It was stated by him that concerned persons were engaged as apprentices.

67. Therefore, from these facts it is more than apparent that these incumbents were appointed as trade apprentices in the cadre of Clerk for a period of one year and after expiry of one year their services came to an end and as mentioned above, a dispute was raised in 1996 and an award was passed by the Labour Court treating them as workmen and giving them the benefit of workmen. We are of the opinion that the view taken by the Labour Court is absolutely erroneous as they were appointed as general clerks for a fixed period of one year and after the expiry of fixed period their services automatically came to an end and the dispute which has been raised is extremely belated. They cannot be treated as workmen as they were appointed as apprentices irrespective of the fact that the contract was registered or not. Therefore, the view taken by the Labour Court as well as by the High Court cannot be sustained. Consequently, the appeal is allowed. Award dated 16.11.2000 made by the Labour Court in Industrial Dispute No.236/1999 and the interim order dated 19.9.2003 passed by the High Court in Civil Misc. Writ Petition No.42446/2003 are set aside. No order as to costs.

Civil Appeal No.9234/2003

68. In this case, respondent Ashok Kumar was appointed on the designated trade as Draftsman (Mechanical) from 30.3.1991 to 29.3.1992. His allegation was that the contract of apprenticeship was not entered in to between the parties and the same was also not registered. He was treated as a regular appointee. It was stated by the incumbent himself in his claim petition before the Labour Court (Kanpur) that he was appointed as an apprentice under the Apprentices Act, 1961 with effect from 30.3.1991 to 29.3.1992 for training as a Draftsman and his services were terminated on 30.3.1992. His case was that his application was neither got registered from the I.T.I. Kanpur nor was any course got done from him nor any NCTPT examination was taken from him and no certificate was got issued to him from the National Council and his services were taken as a regular nature of Draftsman (Mechanical). The stand of the Management was that he was appointed as Draftsman under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and after the expiry of the training period, his contract automatically stood terminated and, therefore, he cannot claim to have been appointed on the post of Draftsman. If there is any dispute, this can be decided by the Apprenticeship Adviser under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Before the Labour Court, respondent-Ashok Kumar examined himself as W.W.1 and he admitted that he was kept on training of Mechanical Draftsman and used to work as Draftsman for Mechanical, Electrical and Civil and he further admitted that no contract was registered. From the fact that the incumbent himself had admitted that he was undergoing training as apprentice under the Apprentices Act, 1961, therefore, after expiry of the period of one year, he cannot claim himself to be workman and more so, when his services were terminated way back 1992 i.e.30.3.1992. After completion of the training he cannot claim himself as workman and raise the dispute in 1996. Therefore, in view of the legal position crystalised above, we are of the opinion that the award dated 30.8.1997 given by the Labour Court and affirmed by the High Court by judgment dated 15.7.2003 passed in the Civil Misc. Writ Petition No.9153/1998 cannot be sustained. Accordingly, the civil appeal is allowed and the order passed by the High Court dated 15.7.2003 in Civil Misc. Writ Petition No.9153/1998 and the award made by the Labour Court in Industrial Dispute No.347/1996 are set aside. No order as to costs.

Civil Appeal No.9232/2003.

69. Appellant-Lal Man Verma was appointed as an apprentice on the post of Book Keeping and Accountancy Store on 8.1.1981. It is alleged that Book Keeping and Accountancy is not a designated trade within the meaning of Section 2(e) of the Apprentices Act, 1961. It is further alleged that the contract of service entered into between the parties was not sent to the Apprenticeship Adviser for registration, therefore, it was not registered and appellant was not imparted any training under the, but appellants services were terminated with effect from 8.1.1982 without complying with the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The appellant raised an industrial dispute and a reference was made under Section 4K of the U.P. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 by the State Government to the Labour Court. The Labour Court made the award in favour of the appellant and held that the Management has failed to prove that the appellant was appointed as an apprentice and held that the appellant was not working as an apprentice but as a workman. This award was challenged by the Management by filing a writ petition being Civil Misc. Writ Petition No.10370/1998 before the High Court of Allahabad and the High Court allowed the writ petition filed by the Management and set aside the award made by the Labour Court holding that since the contract of apprenticeship was entered in to between the parties and the incumbent was appointed as an apprentice under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and his contract was not sent for registration to the Apprenticeship Adviser that will not change the character of the incumbent. Hence, the present appeal by the appellant by way of special leave. Though in the grounds of the Special Leave Petition an objection was taken by the appellant that his trade is not covered by the designated trade within Section 2(e) of the Act, this objection was never pressed before the Labour Court nor was it pressed before the High Court. Therefore, no finding has been given either by the Labour Court or by the High Court whether this trade is covered by the or not. However, for the first time, the appellant has raised this objection in his Special Leave Petition. Whether it is a designated trade or not, it is a question of fact and since the parties have not gone on trial on this issue nor this question has been referred by the Government for decision of the Labour Court, therefore, we cannot permit this question to be raised at this stage. Since it is a question of fact whether this trade is covered by the designated trade or not and this question for the first time sought to be agitated in the present appeal, it will not be proper to permit the appellant to raise this question of fact at this belated stage after a lapse of 21 years. An objection of delay was raised before the Labour Court that the appellant has approached the Labour Court after lapse of 11 years i.e. in 1993, his services having been terminated in the year 1982. Therefore, we do not find any merit in this appeal filed by the appellant and the same