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Supreme Court 9-Judge Bench Revisits 'Industry' Definition Under Industrial Relations Code 2020

PolityCORE
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
18 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:9-Judge Constitution BenchIndustrial Relations Code, 2020Industrial Disputes (Amendment) Act, 1982
Bodies:Supreme Court
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What This Article Covers

1.A 9-judge SC bench led by CJI Surya Kant will decide the legal definition of 'industry', impacting labour law applicability.

2.The court will review the 1978 'triple test' from Bangalore Water Supply case, which broadly included non-profit sectors as industries.

3.The decision will clarify the status of government welfare activities and 'sovereign functions' under the new Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

A nine-judge Constitution bench is set to review the expansive definition of 'industry' from the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply case, which impacts labour rights coverage. The outcome will determine whether hospitals, charities, and government welfare activities fall under industrial law, affecting millions of workers.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Bench Strength9-Judge Constitution Bench
Lead JudgeCJI Surya Kant
Landmark Case Under ReviewBangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board vs A Rajappa (1978)
Key Legal TestTriple Test (Systematic activity, Organized cooperation, Production/distribution of goods/services)
Relevant New LawIndustrial Relations Code, 2020
Unnotified AmendmentIndustrial Disputes (Amendment) Act, 1982

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Bench Strength: 9-Judge Constitution Bench
  • ›Lead Judge: CJI Surya Kant
  • ›Target this Data: 9-Judge Constitution Bench (Bench Strength)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Supreme Court of India
  • ›Target this Legal Point: 'Triple Test' from Bangalore Water Supply Case (1978)

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Q1Static LinkageMedium

Under which Article of the Constitution is a 'Constitution Bench' of the Supreme Court constituted?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the definition of 'industry' in Indian labour law:

1. The 'triple test' for defining an industry was laid down by the Supreme Court in the Bangalore Water Supply case (1978).

2. The Industrial Disputes (Amendment) Act, 1982, which sought to narrow the definition, was fully notified and implemented.

3. The new Industrial Relations Code, 2020, has completely replaced the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricEasy

How many judges were part of the Constitution Bench that delivered the landmark Bangalore Water Supply judgment in 1978?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary legal significance of the Supreme Court's current review of the 'industry' definition?

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