The Engineering Kamgar Union challenged the closure of a factory by M/s Electro Steels Castings Ltd., arguing that the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (Center Act) were ... applicable, as the establishment employed more than 100 workers. The employer, however, contended that the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (State Act) applied, as it required compliance only for establishments with more than 300 workers. The High Court ruled in favor of the employer, and the union appealed to the Supreme Court.