(1) LEAVE granted. (2) THREE charge-sheets issued to the respondents were enquired into, in the disciplinary proceedings and on the basis of findings recorded therein, respondent No. 1 was dismissed from service. The matterwas taken to the Labour Court which found that the domestic enquiry was properly held, the principles of natural justice were fully followed and the respondent No. 1 was given adequate opportunity of hearing. The Labour Court further held that Section 11-A of the Industrial Disputes Act did not warrant any change in the punishment awarded to respondent No. 1. Consequently, the order passed by the appellant was maintained. (3) RESPONDENT No. 1 approached the High Court, which by the impugned judgment dated 5/8/1997 passed the following operative order: "Heard both sides. Having perused the award, we find that the Labour Court, Hyderabad did not commit any error in holding guilty of the petitioner. However, the punishment of removal from service ordered by the Labour Court is severe. Hence, we hold that the petitioner is entitled for reinstatement without backwages and without continuity of services. The impugned award is accordingly modified, with the above modification , the writ petition is disposed of. No costs." (4) THE order reproduced above is cryptic and gives no reasons. Once the High Court found that the Labour Court did not commit any error in holding the appellant guilty, it could not have legally interfered on the quantum of punishment without setting out strong reasons for so doing. Since the order is wholly without reason, the same cannot be sustained. Consequently, the appeal is allowed. The impugned order dated 5th August, 1997 passed by the High Court is set aside and the case is remanded back to the High Court for fresh disposal in accordance with law after affording full opportunity of hearing to the parties. There will be no order as to costs.