The rival pleadings led to the Industrial Tribunal framing the following issues: "1) Whether the management is estopped from challenging the status of these two concerned workmen as "workman ' within the meaning of the . 2) Whether the award dated 17 11 66 of the Additional Industrial Tribunal, Delhi would operate as res judicata between the parties ? 3) If issue No. 1 is answered in the negative whether the concerned (sic) are 'workman ' within the meaning of the I.D. ? 4) What is the effect of the order dated 6 1 75 passed by the I.T. Maharashtra in reference 203 of 1973 and order dated 1.10.1975 of the Supreme Court in Petition for special leave 1602 of 1975 ? 5) Whether the reference is incompetent and bad in law for reasons mentioned in prel.