HELD: 1. The bonus in question, in the instant appeals, does not fall under any category or class mentioned in the definition of "wages" set forth in sub-s.(22) of S. 2 of the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948. [645 E] 640 In the instant case, the bonus paid by the respondent to its employees is in the nature of ex-gratia payment or, as has been described in one of the settlements, paid as a gesture of goodwill on the part of the respondent. The bonus in question was neither in the nature of production bonus nor incentive bonus nor customary bonus nor any statutory bonus. It cannot be regarded as part of the contract of employment. Although the provisions relating to it were included in the Standing Orders and Rules, they were subsequently excluded from them. Therefore, the bonus paid or payable by the respondent to its employees under the successive settlements and agreements made between them cannot be regarded as remuneration paid or payable to the employees in fulfillment of the terms of the contract of employment. [644 C-F]