Yogesh Suresh Dewsthali vs Aplab Ltd

Twenty connected writ petitions were filed by retired employees of Aplab Ltd. challenging the Appellate Authority's order regarding computation of gratuity, specifically whether gratuity should be calculated at the rate of 26 days (for officers) or 15 days, and whether 'special allowance' constituted 'dearness allowance' for the purpose of Section 2(s) of the Payment of Gratuity Act. The court affirmed the Controlling Authority's and Appellate Authority's judgments but remitted the matter to the Appellate Authority for fresh consideration on the specific questions of the 26-day rate and treatment of special allowance. The Appellate Authority was directed to decide the remanded points within eight weeks.