Reference of decision of disputes by Government

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 15, where any agricultural dispute exists or is apprehended, the Government may, by order in writing and for reasons to be stated therein,— (a) refer the dispute to the Agricultural Tribunal constituted for the area in which the dispute exists or is apprehended, for adjudication; or (b) decide the dispute themselves and pass an award. (2) Where a dispute is referred to an Agricultural Tribunal under clause (a) of sub-section (1), the provisions of sub-sections (5), (6), (7) and (8) of section 15 shall apply as if the reference to the Tribunal were made by the Collector of the District under sub-section (4) of that Section. (3) The Government shall cause every award passed by them under clause (b) or sub-section (1) to be published in the Official Gazette and in such other manner as may be prescribed. (4) An award referred to in sub-section (3) shall be final, shall be given effect to by the parties to the agricultural dispute and shall be enforceable on the expiry of five days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.