SC to commence hearing on definition of word 'industry' from March 17

The Supreme Court on Monday said that a nine-judge Constitution bench will commence hearing on the contentious issue pertaining to the definition of the word 'industry' under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 from March 17.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi formulated questions for consideration.

The top court asked parties to update their written submissions or submit additional fresh written submissions on or before February 28, 2026. It clarified that matter will be heard on March 17 and 18.

"In our considered opinion, we have to adjudicate following issues: Whether test laid down in para 140 to 144 by Justice V Krishna Iyer in Bangalore water supply case on whether enterprise falls within definition of Industry lays down correct law?

"Whether the Industrial disputes amendment act 1982 had not seemingly come into force and industry code had any legal impact on the expression 'industry'," the bench said.

The top court said it