24. Illegal strikes and lock- outs.-
(1) A strike or a lock- out shall be illegal if--
(i) it is commenced or declared in contravention of section 22 or section 23; or
(ii) it is continued in contravention of an order made under sub- section (3) of section 10 1[ or sub- section (4A) of section 10A].
(2) Where a strike or lock- out in pursuance of an industrial dispute has already commenced and is in existence at the time of the reference of the dispute to a Board, 1[ an arbitrator, a] 2[ Labour Court, Tribunal or National Tribunal], the continuance of such strike or lock- out shall not be deemed to be illegal, provided that such strike or lock- out was not at its commencement in contravention of the provisions of this Act or the continuance thereof was not prohibited under sub- section (3) of section 10 1[ or sub- section (4A) of section 10A].
(3) A lock- out declared in consequence of an illegal strike or a strike declared in consequence of an illegal lock- out shall not be deemed to be illegal.