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Issues Involved:
1. Whether an administrative officer discharging quasi-judicial functions is bound to give reasons in support of the order he makes. 2. Whether a conciliation officer acting under Section 33(2)(b) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, is required to make a speaking order. 3. Whether the absence of reasons in an order made by a conciliation officer invalidates the order. Detailed Analysis: 1. Requirement to Give Reasons in Quasi-Judicial Functions: The core issue addressed is whether an administrative officer performing quasi-judicial functions must provide reasons for their decisions. The court highlighted that the necessity of giving reasons flows as a necessary corollary from the rule of law, which is a basic principle of the constitutional setup. The court emphasized that giving reasons ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in administrative decisions. It prevents arbitrary use of power and allows for judicial review, which is essential for maintaining the rule of law. The court cited the Supreme Court's decision in Jaswant Sugar Mills Ltd. Meerut v. Lakshmi Chand, AIR 1963 SC 677, which established that quasi-judicial decisions must be based on objective standards and pre-existing legal rules, and must involve a determination of rights or obligations affecting civil rights. 2. Speaking Order Requirement for Conciliation Officers: The court examined whether a conciliation officer acting under Section 33(2)(b) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, must make a speaking order. The court concluded that since the conciliation officer exercises quasi-judicial functions, he is bound to provide reasons for his decisions. This conclusion was drawn from the principle that quasi-judicial authorities must act judicially, and their decisions must be based solely on the material before them, without any extraneous considerations. The court referred to the Supreme Court's decision in Bhagat Raja v. Union of India, AIR 1967 SC 1606, which underscored the necessity of giving reasons to facilitate judicial review and ensure that decisions are not arbitrary. 3. Validity of Orders Without Reasons: The court addressed whether the absence of reasons in an order made by a conciliation officer invalidates the order. The court held that failure to provide reasons renders the order invalid, as it prevents effective judicial review. The court cited the Supreme Court's decision in Govindrao v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1965 SC 1222, which established that an order made without providing reasons does not fulfill the elementary requirements of a quasi-judicial process and is liable to be set aside. The court also discussed the distinction between interlocutory and final orders, concluding that an order under Section 33(2)(b) is not interlocutory but a final order affecting the rights of the employer and employee. Therefore, such an order must be supported by reasons. Conclusion: The court answered the reference in the affirmative, holding that a conciliation officer exercising quasi-judicial functions under Section 33(2)(b) is bound to make a speaking order, i.e., provide reasons on the face of the order. This requirement ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness, and facilitates judicial review to prevent arbitrary decisions. The absence of reasons in such orders invalidates them, as it hinders effective judicial scrutiny.
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