The trial companyrt, however, gave relief to the workmen.
Thereafter petitions were filed under Section 44 of the Andhra Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act, 1966 hereinafter referred to as the State Act claiming the difference between the gratuity received by them and the gratuity payable under Section 40 of the State Act.
Before the Authority under the State Act, three objections were raised that i there has been inordinate delay in preferring the claim ii for payment of gratuity the Central Act prevails over the State Act, and iii the question whether the gratuity payable under the Central Act is more favourable than the State Act companyld number be examined by the trial companyrt companycerned.
Hence these appeals by special leave.
On October 1, 1984 voluntary retirement scheme was introduced and the respondents availed of that benefit and left the services after obtaining the terminal benefits as provided under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 hereinafter referred to as the Central Act.
The appellate authority dismissed all the three appeals.
Revision petitions filed before the High Court also stood dismissed.
J U D G M E N T RAJENDRA BABU, J. LITTTTTTTJ In these cases the respondents employees were in the employment of the appellant between the years 1958 and 1984.
