In Brief
The Supreme Court examined a contempt petition by an employee against his former employer, Birla Corporation Ltd., for non-compliance with an interim order dated 04.05.1999 passed under Section 17-B of the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947. The employee's termination was ultimately upheld in a civil appeal. The Court held that Section 17-B orders are independent and remain enforceable even after the employer wins on appeal merits. The Court awarded the employee Rs. 7,50,000 as full and final settlement of all monetary claims (salary, arrears, leave encashment, gratuity, bonus, and interest), payable upon vacation of the corporation quarter within three months. The employee's subsequent applications for modification and additional relief were dismissed as the award was reasoned and considered all relevant factors.
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