The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 regulates the Indian labour law so far as that concerns trade
unions as well as individual workmen employed in any industry in the Indian mainland. It was
one of the last legislative act before the passing of the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
Overview of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
A cursory detail of the act is given in the table below:
Charter Act of 1813
Long Title
An Act to make provision for the investigation
and settlement of industrial disputes, and for
certain other purposes.
Territorial Extent
Territories under direct British control, later
implemented in the Princely States upon their
integration with the Indian Union
Enacted by
Central Legislative Assembly
Assented to
11th March 1947
Commenced
1st April 1947
Objectives of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
The act was drafted to make provision for the investigation and settlement of industrial disputes
and to secure industrial peace and harmony by providing mechanism and procedure for the
investigation and settlement of industrial disputes by conciliation, arbitration and adjudication
which is provided under the statute. The main and ultimate objective of this act is "Maintenance
of Peaceful work culture in the Industry in India" which is clearly provided under the Statement
of Objects & Reasons of the statute.
The Act also lays down:
1. The provision for payment of compensation to the workman on account of closure or lay
off or retrenchment.
2. The procedure for prior permission of appropriate Government for laying off or
retrenching the workers or closing down industrial establishments
