Understanding Legal Definitions & Differences: Factory, Industry, Establishment, and More

Dear Seniors,

We all use the following words in our day-to-day life, but don't go into detail about their exact meaning. So please let me know the meaning of all the following and the difference between them from a legal point of view:

1. Factory
2. Industry
3. Establishment
4. Organization
5. Unit
6. Branch
7. Division

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,
Kirti.

Every word has been defined in the respective concerned legislation, and the same will not be applicable everywhere. Although the factory definition used to be the same as defined under the Factories Act. However, when it comes to other words like industry, establishment, organization, unit, branch, or division, they are differently defined in various labor legislations. Each definition is specific to the particular act it belongs to. For example, if an establishment is defined in the Factories Act, Shop Act, PF Act, ESI, etc., that definition will only be considered within the context of that particular act where it is being used.

Seniors, please help. I want the detailed meaning and difference between all. Is it a difficult question? Why have I not received a reply?

There is nothing difficult, but your questions have many dimensions as asked by you.

In general terms, you know very well about each and every word you have mentioned so there is no need to explain. However, all these words have specific definitions under different acts like the Factories Act, Minimum Wages Act, ESIC Act, EPF & MP Act, etc. So, you need to specify your query in which particular enactment you want to know all these terms.

P K MISHRA