Step 1: Understanding the Concept of 'Lock-out':
Under Section 2(l) (commonly written as 2(M) in some references) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, a “lock-out” means the temporary closing of a place of employment, suspension of work, or refusal by an employer to continue to employ any number of persons employed by him. It is the counterpart of a strike by workers.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation of the Options:
- (A) Section 2(1): Incorrect, as this section defines 'Appropriate Government,' not 'Lock-out.'
- (B) Section 2(0): Incorrect, as this section defines 'Lay-off.'
- (C) Section 3(1): Incorrect, as this section deals with the constitution of Works Committees.
- (D) Section 2(M): Correct, as it defines 'Lock-out' under the Industrial Disputes Act.
Step 3: Final Conclusion:
The correct answer is (D) Section 2(M), which defines 'Lock-out' under the Industrial Disputes Act.