The Tamil Nadu HR&CE body told the Supreme Court that temples lack profit motive and cannot be treated as “industry” under labour laws. The issue arises in a crucial hearing where the Court is reconsidering its 1978 ruling on the definition of “industry.”
The Centre told the Supreme Court that welfare schemes and sovereign functions cannot be treated as industrial activity under labour laws. The 9-judge bench is now set to redefine the scope of “industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act.
The Centre told a 9-judge Supreme Court Bench that an overly wide definition of “industry” can burden employers and discourage private investment. The Court is now re-examining the landmark 1978 ruling that brought almost all professions under the scope of “industry.”
The Supreme Court of India agreed to examine whether foreign employees working in India must contribute to the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, while issuing notice to the Centre in a plea by LG Electronics challenging EPF rules for international workers.
The Bombay High Court ruled that a compensation claim under the Employees’ Compensation Act cannot be rejected simply because the disability certificate was issued by a doctor who did not treat the injured worker. The Court set aside the Commissioner’s order and directed reconsideration of the worker’s disability and compensation.
The Supreme Court of India, led by Justices Aravind Kumar and P. B. Varale, ruled that employers must pay penalties for delayed compensation deposits under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, affirming its social welfare purpose and endorsing liberal interpretation favoring workers’ rights.
After the Supreme Court dismissed domestic workers’ unions’ plea, CJI Surya Kant’s remarks on trade unionism sparked nationwide outrage, with activists warning that vulnerable labourers were denied constitutional protection and social security safeguards. Trade unions and groups demand accountability.
The Supreme Court flagged trade unionism as a major factor behind industrial stagnation, with Chief Justice Surya Kant observing that union activities led to closures of industries. He remarked that resistance to work and aggressive “flag-bearing unions” hampered economic and industrial growth.
The Bombay High Court has held that even women working on temporary or daily-wage basis are entitled to maternity leave benefits. The Court ruled that denying maternity benefits due to short technical breaks in service is arbitrary and illegal.
