BDK VALVES PRIVATE LTD vs MAILARLING IRAPPA MUDENNAVAR — CP/100116/2026

B. Muralidhara PaiView PDF

Summary of CP/100116/2026 Case: BDK Valves Private Ltd. v. Mailarling Irappa Mudennavar and others (CP/100116/2026 and connected petitions) Court: High Court of Karnataka, Dharwad Bench Date: 12 June 2026 Judge: B. Muralidhara Pai --- Decision The court dismissed all connected civil petitions (CP/100040/2026 and 143 related petitions). --- Key Facts - Petitioner: BDK Valves Private Ltd., a manufacturing company - Respondents: 163 workers (individual respondents) - Background: On 27 November 2024, the company terminated the services of respondents citing grave misconduct arising from participation in an illegal strike. The Trade Union challenged the dismissals before the Labour Court, Hubballi. - Complicating Factor: The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 was notified on 21 November 2025, replacing the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. --- Main Issue Whether pending industrial dispute cases before Labour Courts should be transferred to Industrial Tribunals under the new Industrial Relations Code, 2020. --- Court's Reasoning 1. Jurisdiction Issue: Industrial Tribunals under the new Code have not yet been constituted. The power to transfer cannot be exercised to a non-existent forum. 2. Government Clarifications: Central Government issued "Removal of Difficulties Orders" (8 December 2025 and 2 February 2026) clarifying that existing Labour Courts and statutory authorities shall continue to function until corresponding authorities are appointed under the new Code—ensuring continuity and avoiding administrative vacuum. 3. Statutory Framework: Section 24 CPC cannot be invoked for labour matters; transfers are governed by statutory provisions (Section 33B of ID Act, Section 92 of the Code), which lie with the government. 4. Precedent: The court referenced *Glastronix LLP v. Glastronix Karmika Sangha* (2026:KHC:7984), which held that existing Labour Courts continue functioning despite the Code's commencement. --- Conclusion The Labour Court retains jurisdiction to adjudicate the pending disputes. The petitioner's plea to transfer cases to non-existent Tribunals was rejected, and the petitioner was directed to allow the Labour Court proceedings to continue. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.

Orders

B. Muralidhara Pai

First hearing

Initial hearing scheduled

Case filed

Registration No. CP/100116/2026