In Brief
The bank dismissed a workman after a domestic enquiry without seeking mandatory approval from the Industrial Adjudicator. The workman filed a complaint under Section 33A, and the Industrial Tribunal set aside the dismissal. The bank challenged this before the High Court, and the Supreme Court held that the Industrial Tribunal improperly re-examined evidence like an appellate court, which is forbidden. The Tribunal's jurisdiction is limited to checking whether the enquiry was fair and findings were perverse—it cannot prefer one party's version over another. The Court allowed the appeal, set aside the reinstatement order, and declared the dismissal valid. However, the workman who had retired was not required to repay wages received.
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