New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- The Supreme Court has largely upheld the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply judgment's interpretation of "industry" under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, but clarified that it will not anchor future disputes. The judgment will continue to govern pending disputes under the 1947 Act, while future disputes will be decided under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Court clarified.

A nine-judge Constitution Bench led by CJI Surya Kant, by a 6:3 majority, held that the reference seeking reconsideration of the 1978 judgment was validly made and maintainable. The majority retained the essential framework of the "Triple Test" laid down in Bangalore Water Supply.

It, however, said certain aspects of the test...