MUKHTAR ALI Versus UNITED BANK LIMITED, KARACHI

DECISION

The question involved in this appeal is very simple. The appellant was appointed as Bank Officer Grade‑III and sent for training to UBL Training Academy at Karachi. While undergoing the training appellant was arrested in a criminal case and charged with attempt to murder. He was confined in Jail from 16‑9‑1988 to 13‑5‑1989. Meanwhile due to absence from duty the services of the appellant Mukhtar Ali were terminated by U.B.L. On release from Jail Mukhtar Ali gave grievance notice to U.B.L. and filed his grievance petition in the IIIrd Sindh Labour. Court, Karachi. The Labour Court gave the decision that during his training in the U.B.L. Academy the appellant was not engaged as a workman doing clerical or manual work. He was not therefore a worker within the meaning of I.R.O., 1969. His grievance application under section 25‑A was not therefore maintainable.

2. After hearing the parties, Advocate and Representative I am inclined to agree with the finding of the learned Labour Court that a Bank Officer of Grade‑III under training cannot come within the definition of a worker. He is an Officer of the Bank not doing any clerical or manual duties.

3. Under the circumstances the Labour Court has no jurisdiction to entertain his grievance petition. The order of the Labour Court is accordingly', maintained and the appeal is dismissed.

H.B.T./2442/Lb.S Appeal dismissed.