Matters were called out. None is present for respondents. Learned advocate appearing for applicants in Civil Application No. 5780 of 2012 contended that the applicants have made extensive averments on oath indicating that the workmen have been in fact gainfully employed in the Central Government popularly known as 'MENREG' (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee) project and hence, the applicants may not be compelled to keep paying 17B wages as it was a condition for granting interim relief.
The fact remains to be noted that no affidavit-in-reply controverting this fact has been filed by the workmen. Therefore, ordinarily the court would have proceeded with the matters accepting the say of learned advocate appearing for the applicants in Civil Application No. 5780 of 2012 and averments made on oath. However, in order to afford an opportunity, the matters are required to be adjourned. At the same time, it is also required to be noted that main matter is of the year 2010, therefore, even the main matter could also be disposed of. Hence, the main matter along with Civil Applications are adjourned to 20.06.2012 with specific observation that in case if on 20.06.2012 no one has remained present, then also the matters shall be proceeded with in accordance with law without granting any further time for want of availability of the advocates for the parties.
(S.R.BRAHMBHATT, J.) pallav Top