Justice B.V. Nagarathna: Overturning 1978 Judgment Could Empower Corporations, Hurt Workers

Why in news

Justice B.V. Nagarathna issued a dissent in a nine-judge bench ruling regarding the definition of 'industry' under the Industrial Relations Code 2020, warning of potential erosion of labor rights.

Background

The dissent concerns the overturning of the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board vs R. Rajappa judgment. The ruling impacts the Industrial Relations Code (IRC) 2020 and the definition of 'industry' for labor law applicability.

Facts for Prelims

• Act / BillIndustrial Relations Code (IRC) 2020: A consolidated labor law replacing older statutes like the Industrial Disputes Act 1947.
• BodySupreme Court of India: The nine-judge bench is interpreting the scope of 'industry' for labor protections.
• Fact1978 Bangalore Water Supply Judgment: Established a broad definition of 'industry' to protect worker welfare.

For Mains

Q. Critically analyze the impact of redefining 'industry' on the bargaining power between corporations and workers in the era of liberalization.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• erosion of labor protections
• corporate bargaining power
• state's welfare obligations
• judicial precedent vs statutory change

Keywords: bargaining power · labor welfare · judicial precedent · industrial relations · liberalization

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