Supreme Court to Revisit ‘Industry’ Definition; 9-Judge Bench to Re-Examine BWSSB Ruling

The Supreme Court will set up a 9-judge Constitution Bench to finally settle the meaning of “industry” under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, and the earlier Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

A Bench led by CJI Surya Kant has fixed March 17–18 for hearing, and will re-examine the 1975 Bangalore Water Supply (BWSSB) judgment, which laid down the famous “triple test” for determining an industry.

The Court will decide if activities like social welfare schemes and certain State functions are covered, and which government activities fall outside Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act.

Parties have been allowed to update written submissions by February 28, 2026.