LPA/773/2026 of UTPAL TREHAN Vs M/S NHK TV JAPAN @NHK JAPAN BROADCASTING CORP on 23 September 2026

O R D E R

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23.09.2026 CM APPL. 65620/2026 (Exemption) CM APPL. 65621/2026 (Exemption)

1. Allowed, subject to all just exceptions.

2. Applications stand disposed of. CM APPL. 65618/2026 (for condonation of 35 days delay in filing reply)

1. Learned counsel for the respondents submits that he has no objection if the delay is condoned.

2. Having considered the averments made in the application and for the reasons stated therein, this Court is of the opinion that sufficient cause has been shown for condonation of delay. Accordingly, the present application is allowed and the delay is condoned.

3. The applications stand disposed of in the aforesaid terms. LPA 773/2026

4. The present appeal is directed against the interim order dated 06.07.2026 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.(C) No. 6088 of 2023, titled as “NHK TV NHK Japan Broadcasting Corp. vs. Utpal Trehan & Anr.”.

5. The sole grievance of the appellant is that the learned Single Judge, without going into the merits, directed him to produce his bank statements for the period from 2007 to 2023, in the context of his claim for the benefit of Section 17B of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The appellant claims the benefit of Section 17B with effect from 10.05.2023. It is submitted that, for determining his entitlement to the benefit claimed from the said date, the production of bank statements for the period commencing from 2007 is neither necessary nor germane. The appellant has, however, expressed his willingness to produce his bank statements for the period commencing from 10.05.2023 onwards.

6. Learned counsel for the respondent submits that the bank statements for the earlier period were sought only with a view to ascertain continuity of gainful employment of the appellant commencing prior to 2023.

7. We have heard the Appellant appearing in-person as well as the learned counsel for the respondent and perused the record.

8. Looking into the facts and circumstances of the present case and considering that the question before us is confined to the period relevant for examining the appellant’s entitlement to the benefit claimed under Section 17B of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, i.e. the period commencing from

10.05.2023, we are of the considered opinion that whether the appellant was gainfully employed before 10.05.2023 or not do not impact his right with regard to his entitlement of benefits after 10.05.2023. Consequently, the production of bank statements for the period prior to 10.05.2023 is not required for adjudication of the controversy before the learned Single Judge.

9. Accordingly, the impugned order is modified to the limited extent that the appellant shall furnish his bank statements for the period commencing from 01.05.2023 onwards.

10. The appellant, appearing in-person, states that the he is willing to furnish his bank statements from 01.04.2023 onwards.

11. Let the needful be done before the next date of hearing before the learned Single Judge.

12. The appeal, along with the pending application(s), if any, stands disposed of in the aforesaid terms. VIVEK CHAUDHARY, J NISHA SAHAY SAXENA, J SEPTEMBER 23, 2026/VP/kp