HARINAGAR CANE FARM AND OTHERS vs STATE OF BIHAR AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that agricultural operations carried out by companies can constitute 'industry' under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, if they are conducted for profit and involve significant capital investment. The Court emphasized that the distinction between agriculture and industry is not absolute and that the legislative intent does not exclude agricultural operations from industrial adjudication. The appeals were dismissed, affirming the High Court's decision that the industrial tribunal had jurisdiction to adjudicate the disputes raised by the workmen.