Prelude On 26-7-2000, at 5.30 p.m. I received telephone call from a labour professional working in a government establishment on certain clarifications on ‘protected workmen’ as contemplated under Rule 61 of the Industrial Disputes (Central) Rules, 1957. The said officer is a very knowledgeable officer having more than 15 years of public sector, enforcement, ‘conciliation and inspection experience in the field of labour, personnel and industrial relations. He has worked in the most sensitive places like Asonsol, Dhanbad.... etc. He told me that he has received an application from the unrecognised trade union, functioning in his establishment; requesting for declaration of some workers (office bearers of the union) as ‘protected workmen’ as contemplated under Rule 61 of the Industrial Disputes (Central) Rules,1957. I suggested him to reject the application forthwith since the application has been received 10 days back (16-7-20 ....