THE NATIONAL, UNION OF COMMERCIAL EMPLOYEES AND ANOTHER vs M. R. MEHER, INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL, BOMBAY AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that the work of solicitors does not qualify as an 'industry' under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Court reasoned that a liberal profession like that of a solicitor does not involve direct cooperation between capital and labor, as the primary capital is the solicitor's intellectual and educational skills. Consequently, disputes raised by employees of solicitors cannot be referred to the Industrial Tribunal, affirming the Bombay High Court's decision.