Tri-Star Apparel Exports (Pvt) Ltd v. Hon. Athauda Senevirathne et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO: 635/2008-2011

In the case between Tri-Star Apparel Exports (Pvt) Ltd and Hon. Athauda Senevirathne, Minister of Labour and Man Power, and others, the court addressed whether an arbitrator’s award granting additional leave and salary increases to employees could be set aside by writ of certiorari. It was held that employers are only bound to minimum standards fixed by the Wages Board but may be compelled through arbitration to provide more favourable benefits if warranted by the circumstances. The principle reaffirmed was that arbitrators are empowered to award terms more advantageous than statutory minimums, provided such awards are not unlawful. Reliance was placed on the Industrial Disputes Act and the Wages Boards Ordinance, emphasizing that judicial review of arbitration awards is limited to legalit