783 Two contentions were urged by Shri C. K. Daphtary who appeared for the appellants before us (1) that the award was void and inoperative as it was made by only two members of the Board, the third, member, Shri J. K. Bhagat not having been present at the last hearing and not having signed the same and (2) that the Additional Regional Conciliation Officer having given the written permission for dismissal of respondents 2, 3 and 4 no industrial dispute could arise by reason of the non employment of respondents 2, 3 and 4 and the Regional Conciliation Board had therefore no jurisdiction to entertain the application made before it by respondent 1 on behalf of the respondents 2, 3 and 4 and the award of the Regional Conciliation Board ordering the reinstatement of respondents 2, 3 and 4 was therefore without jurisdiction, void and inoperative and the Labour Appellate Tribunal was in error in confirming the same.