Settlement of disputes

(1) All complaints, claims or disputes arising out of the provisions of this Part shall be referred to the Board in writing. (2) At any meeting of the Board to hear and determine complaints or disputes arising under this Part, seven members of the Board, one of whom shall be the senior official of the Ministry at the time responsible for the Sugar Industry or his nominee, or the Chief Agricultural Officer or his nominee, shall constitute a quorum. (3) The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings held pursuant to this section but in the absence of the Chairperson, the members present and constituting a quorum shall elect one of their number to preside. (4) The person presiding at such a meeting shall have a second or casting vote in any case where there is an equality of votes. (5) The decisions of the Board at any meeting held under this section shall be by a majority of the members present and voting at the meeting. (6) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board may regulate itself at such a meeting. (7) The Board shall complete its investigation, hearing and determination of a complaint made to it under this Part within thirty days and shall thereafter communicate its decision promptly to the interested manufacturers by means of prepaid registered mail or by facsimile communication or some other means of communication. 42 (8) Any manufacturer aggrieved by the decision of the Board under this Part may, within twenty-one days of the notification of the Board’s decision, appeal to the Supreme Court and the provisions of Part IX of the Supreme Court of Judicature Act, shall apply to such appeals. (9) Subject to sub-section (8) the Minister shall not issue a license to a manufacturer to purchase, or to take delivery of any sugar cane, if the manufacturer has failed to pay the penalty or penalties imposed upon him under this Part. (10) Any penalty imposed under this Part may be enforced as a judgment debt or in such other manner as the law for the time being allows. Development) Fund and the Sugar (Labour Welfare) Fund