C.R.No.1798 of 2009 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH C.R.No.1798 of 2009. Decided on: December 07, 2009. Kishore Singh Chauhan & Ors. .. Petitioners VERSUS Authority under Minimum Wages Act. .. Respondents * * * CORAM: HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE M.M.S.BEDI 1. Whether reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2. Whether to be referred to the Reporter? 3. Whether the judgment should be reported in the Digest? * * * PRESENT Mr.Dheeraj Narula, Advocate, for the petitioners. Mr.P.S.Jammu, Advocate, for the respondents M.M.S. BEDI, J. (ORAL) Vide impugned order dated 12.03.2009 (Annexure P-8), ex parte order dated 09.10.2008 and ex parte Award dated 31.12.2008, passed against respondent Nos.2 to 7, have been set aside. Vide Award dated 31.12.2008, the respondents had . . . 1 C.R.No.1798 of 2009 been directed to deposit awarded amount of Rs.78,09,413.04 paisa. While setting aside the ex parte Award, costs of Rs.3,000/- has been ordered to be paid to the petitioners. I have gone through the award as well as the impugned order and I am of the opinion that the State authorities cannot be foisted with liability unless and until, they are represented by the duly authorized agents. At the same time, the rights of the petitioners, who are members of labour Union, can also not be ignored. Striking a balance between the rights of both the parties, I am of the opinion that it will be expedient, in the interest of justice, in case the impugned order dated 12.03.2009, is upheld subject to payment of costs of Rs.3,000/-, to each of the petitioners instead of payment of Rs.3,000/- as costs to all the petitioners. The cost will be paid by the State on the next date of hearing. In case the amount is not deposited by 29.01.2010, then the original award dated 31.12.2008, will become operative after 01.02.2010. It will be open to the respondents to pursue the State authorities to pay the amount to avoid their individual liabilities. Disposed of. (M.M.S.BEDI) JUDGE December 07, 2009. rka . . . 2