Question

Section 10A of the Industrial disputes Act refers to

• A. Voluntary reference of disputes to arbitration
• B. Definition of Workman
• C. Definition of industry
• D. Appeals

Hint:

When studying the ID Act, remember the two main paths for dispute resolution: Section 10 (Reference of disputes by Government to Boards, Courts or Tribunals) and Section 10A (Voluntary reference by parties to arbitration).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the subject matter of a specific section, Section 10A, of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. This requires knowledge of the structure and key provisions of the Act.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Section 10A of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, is titled "Voluntary reference of disputes to arbitration."
This section provides a mechanism for the employer and the workmen to agree, by a written agreement, to refer any existing or apprehended industrial dispute to an arbitrator or arbitrators for adjudication. This is an alternative to the regular dispute resolution machinery of conciliation and adjudication by Labour Courts or Tribunals. Once a dispute is referred to arbitration under this section, the award of the arbitrator is binding on the parties.
The other options are incorrect:
- Definition of Workman is in Section 2(s).
- Definition of Industry is in Section 2(j).
- Appeals from tribunals are generally not provided for in the Act, though parties can approach the High Court/Supreme Court through writs.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Section 10A of the Industrial Disputes Act explicitly deals with the procedure for voluntary reference of disputes to arbitration. Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.