Supreme Court Nine-Judge Bench To Decide Definition Of Industry Next Month

 The Supreme Court of India has referred the contentious issue of defining “industry” to a nine-judge Constitution Bench, with hearings scheduled to start on March 17. The case will examine whether the expansive interpretation laid down in the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply judgment remains valid, especially after subsequent legislative changes, including the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.  

The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, will consider whether government welfare activities and institutions should fall within the scope of “industry.” This decision carries wide implications for employers, employees, and labour rights, as it determines who qualifies for protections under labour laws.  

Legal experts believe the ruling could reshape industrial relations in India, clarifying ambiguities that have persisted for decades. The outcome will directly impact disputes involving public sector undertakings, educational institutions, and welfare organizations, potentially redefining the boundaries of labour law coverage.  

Key Highlights  

• Nine-judge Constitution Bench to hear case from March 17  
• Focus on definition of “industry” under Industrial Disputes Act, 1947  
• Revisiting Bangalore Water Supply ruling of 1978  
• Impact of 1982 amendment and Industrial Relations Code, 2020  
• Implications for welfare institutions and labour protections  

Sources: Outlook India, Business Standard, The Hindu BusinessLine