WORKMEN OF INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION vs MANAGEMENT OF INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION

The Supreme Court interpreted the definition of 'industrial dispute' under Section 2(k) of the Industrial Disputes Act, emphasizing that it inherently requires a relationship between employer and workman within an industry context. The Court clarified that an 'undertaking' must be analogous to trade or business, but profit motive and capital investment are not essential for its classification. The ruling established that activities can qualify as an industry even if they are charitable or subsidized by the government, provided they involve organized cooperation aimed at production or distribution of goods or services.