The dispute was about the validity of a reference order made by the Assistant Labour Commissioner under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The petitioner-management challenged the order, arguing it was barred by the principle of res judicata and vitiated by delay and laches. The court considered the submissions and found that the earlier reference was dismissed for want of prosecution, not on merits, and thus did not bar a subsequent reference. The court also found that there was no unreasonable delay in raising the industrial dispute. The court upheld the legality and validity of the reference order.