3.The third respondent in all the Writ Petitions have filed petitions before the second respondent / Gratuity Authority, claiming gratuity for 31 years, 31 years and 30 years respectively. According to the third respondent in all the Writ Petitions, they were appointed on 28.01.1983, 15.12.1983 and 01.10.1982 respectively. They worked continuously till their date of retirement for about 31 years, 31 years and 30 years respectively. According to the third respondent in all the Writ Petitions, the petitioner has calculated gratuity payable only for the period from 2001 to 2013, 1993 to 2014 and 1982 to 2012 respectively. The petitioner has filed counter affidavit and opposed the said petitions. According to the petitioner, the third respondent in all the Writ Petitions were appointed as Seasonal Worker during Samba and Kuruvai season. After the season is over, they were not engaged by the petitioner. The third respondent in all the Writ Petitions have not worked for 240 days in a calendar year and denied the date of appointment. According to the petitioner, the third respondent in all the Writ Petitions were appointed only on 28.03.2001, 22.10.1993 and 31.01.2008 respectively. He further contended that the third respondent in all the Writ Petitions were only as Seasonal employees, after the season is over, there is no employer-employee relationship between the petitioner and the third respondent in all the Writ Petitions.
