Understanding "Industry" in the Industrial Disputes Act
The meaning of "Industry" in the Industrial Disputes Act is very broad. Over time, many activities that were not formerly considered industrial activities have now been included. For example, colleges, schools, and hospitals are now treated as industries. Therefore, if an NGO is engaged in any systematic activity with the cooperation of employers and employees, it will be regarded as an industry. Only sovereign functions are excluded from the list of industries. Functions such as the defense of the country, raising armed forces, making peace or war, and foreign affairs, which are not subject to the jurisdiction of civil courts, are treated as sovereign functions. Consequently, all other activities fall under the definition of industrial activity.
In view of the above, an employee of an establishment engaged in any non-sovereign function shall come under the purview of the ID Act, subject to other conditions relating to their role in the establishment, such as supervisory or managerial duties.
Regards,
Madhu.T.K