Howrah Zilla Contractors Shramik Union v. Rakshak Subidha P Ltd. and Ors.
Industrial Tribunal (West Bengal) – Additional evidence in a final reference still under trial
Case brief
What is this about?
Howrah Zila Contractors’ Shramik Union v Rakshak Subidha (P) Ltd. & Ors., MAT 2264 of 2024 (Division Bench), decision 08.06.2026 — appeal against Single Bench order dated 09.09.2024 upholding challenge to Second Industrial Tribunal, West Bengal order dated 01.08.2024 — rejection of application to adduce additional evidence during ongoing final reference trial — pre-assessment and pre-judgment of evidentiary value by Tribunal held erroneous — piecemeal decisions in main reference undesirable — liberty to amend pleadings or introduce additional evidence — respondents to file additional written statement within 3 weeks — reference to be disposed within 3 months — no costs — Judges: Rajasekhar Mantha, Rai Chattopadhyay.
What did the court decide?
Appeal disposed of without interfering with the Single Bench order; the Tribunal's order dated 1st August, 2024 held incorrect and its setting-aside upheld. Respondents directed, mandatorily and positively, to file within 3 weeks an additional written statement disclosing all documents in addition to those already proposed to be disclosed in the reference; the Tribunal or person-in-charge directed to attempt disposal of the reference after a proper trial in evidence within 3 months of receipt of a copy of the order. Connected pending applications disposed of. No order as to costs.