M/S Centrient Pharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd v. Assistant Labour Commissioner, Hoshiarpur And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CWP-16081-2021 Date of Decision : February 05, 2026 M/S CENTRIENT PHARMACEUTICALS INDIA PVT. LTD. -PETITIONER V/S THE ASSISTANT LABOUR COMMISSIONER, HOSHIARPUR AND OTHERS -RESPONDENTS

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KULDEEP TIWARI

Present:

Mr. Abhivadya Sood, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Sahil R. Bakshi, A.A.G., Punjab.

Mr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, Advocate, for Mr. S.S. Rana, Advocate for the respondent No.3.

*** KULDEEP TIWARI, J. (ORAL) 1.

Through the instant writ petition, the petitioner/management seeks quashing of the order of reference dated 17.06.2021 (Annexure P-1), passed by the respondent No.1, whereby the demand notice raised by the respondent No.3/workman was referred to the Industrial Tribunal, Jalandhar, for adjudication.

2.

The sole contention raised by learned counsel appearing on behalf of the management is that, since the workman had already accepted the retiral benefits, the relationship of employer and employee stood severed, and consequently, the impugned order of reference could not have been passed. 3.

On the previous date of hearing, i.e. 28.01.2026, this Court had passed the following order:- "1. During the course of hearing, learned counsel for the petitioner DEVINDER YADAV 2026.02.06 15:36 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment

CWP-16081-2021 submitted that, in case, the respondent No.3/workman intends to contest and pursue the reference, he is required to deposit the retiral benefits.

2. Learned counsel for the respondent No.3 seeks an adjournment, thereby enabling him to have apposite instructions with regard to the above submission.

3. List on 05.02.2026, in the urgent list.

4. It is made clear that, on the subsequent date of hearing, no request for adjournment would be entertained on behalf of either side, except for strong and compelling reasons."

4.

Today, learned counsel for the workman submits that the workman is willing to deposit the amount of retiral benefits, allegedly received by him, with the Industrial Tribunal concerned. However, a request is made that the said amount be directed to be deposited in the form of a Fixed Deposit Receipt in a nationalized bank, yielding maximum interest. 5.

The request made by learned counsel for the workman is not opposed by learned counsel for the management. 6.

In view of the above, the instant writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the workman to deposit the amount of retiral benefits with the Industrial Tribunal concerned within a period of one month from today. Upon such deposit, the Industrial Tribunal shall forthwith deposit the said amount in the form of a Fixed Deposit Receipt in a nationalized bank fetching maximum interest, and thereafter proceed to adjudicate the reference in accordance with law. The parties shall be at liberty to lead evidence in support of their respective claims, including their claims with respect to the amount so deposited.

7.

Disposed of accordingly.

(KULDEEP TIWARI) February 05, 2026 JUDGE devinder Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether Reportable :

Yes/No DEVINDER YADAV 2026.02.06 15:36 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment