Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
Core of Indian Labour Law
The Industrial Disputes Act (IDA), 1947 is the primary legislation governing resolution of industrial disputes in India. It defines the rights of workers and employers in relation to retrenchment, layoffs, closures, strikes, lockouts, and conciliation mechanisms. Chapter VB of the IDA (added in 1976) required establishments employing 300 or more workers (later raised to 100) to obtain government permission before retrenchment or closure — a provision that has been central to debates about labour market flexibility.
- The IDA established a three-tier dispute resolution system: conciliation officers, Labour Courts, and Industrial Tribunals/National Tribunals.
- Section 2(k) defines "industrial dispute" broadly to include disputes between employer and workmen regarding terms of employment, conditions of labour, dismissal, or retrenchment.
- The 1947 Act was preceded by the Trade Disputes Act, 1929, under British India — Ambedkar's version was more comprehensive in worker protections.
- The IDA was substantially amended in 1982 and 1984, and its provisions have been incorporated into the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
● Tracked since March 17, 2026 · last seen April 28, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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