THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE C.V.RAMULU W.P.No.5419 of 1999 ORAL ORDER: This writ petition is filed challenging the order made in M.W.M.P.No.27 of 1998, dated 6.3.1999, on the file of the first respondent, whereunder the application filed by the petitioner herein to set aside the ex parte order under Rule 29(4) of Minimum Wages Rules was dismissed on 6.3.1999. It appears, the second respondent made a complaint dated 1.6.1998 before the first respondent stating that the petitioner- management was not paying minimum wages to its employees. The said application was taken up and notice was issued to the petitioner. Since no counter was filed, an ex parte order was passed on 30.6.1998. Petitioner filed the present application on 12.8.1998 for setting aside the ex parte order dated 30.6.1998 i.e. after more than one month and 12 days. The said application was dismissed by order dated 6.3.1999 refusing to accept the reasons furnished by the petitioner-management. The learned counsel for petitioner strenuously contended that in fact the Manager of the petitioner company approached the respondent along with counter. Since the case was adjourned and posted to 17.7.1998 no counter was filed. On 17-7-1998 when the petitioner appeared before the authority, he was informed that on 30-6-1998 itself ex parte order was passed directing the petitioner-management to pay an amount of Rs.4,915/- as difference of wages for the employees. According to the petitioner, refusing to set aside the ex parte order by the Authority is arbitrary and illegal. Admittedly, the very petition under Rule 29(4) of Minimum Wages Rules is not maintainable beyond the period of one month. If it is filed within 30 days, it is obligatory on the part of the Authority to reopen the case and hear it again after sending notices to the other side. In this case, notice was sent to the other side and the Authority refused to interfere into the ex parte order passed on 30.6.1998. Apart from the fact that no plausible reasons were furnished by the petitioner for setting aside the ex parte order dated 30.6.1998, for paltry amount of Rs.4,915/-, this writ petition was filed way back in the year 1999 and interim order was obtained. I am of the opinion that neither any grounds are made to interfere with the order passed by the Authority below nor there would be any justification for remanding the matter to the Authority below in view of paltry sum involved. The writ petition is devoid of merit and liable to be dismissed. Accordingly, the writ petition is dismissed. No order as to costs. ______________ C.V.RAMULU, J Date: 23.1.2008 DA THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE C.V.RAMULU W.P.No.5419 of 1999 23.1.2008 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT HYDERABAD THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE C.V. RAMULU W.P.No.5419 of 1999 Date: 23rd January, 2008 Between: M/s Siddartha Academy of General and Technical Education, Siddartha Nagar, Vijayawada, rep. by its Secretary. .. Petitioner And The Authority under Minimum Wages Act and Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Eluru and another. .. Respondents