The Supreme Court will begin hearing a major case on March 17, 2026, to decide if educational institutions, hospitals, and government sovereign functions are considered 'industrial activity' under the Industrial Disputes Act. Chief Justice Surya Kant, leading a three-judge Bench, chose this case for his first nine-judge Constitution Bench during his tenure. The case revisits a 1978 judgment from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board v. A. Rajappa. That ruling expanded the definition of 'industry' in the Industrial Disputes Act to include hospitals, educational institutions, and municipalities by introducing a 'triple test'. It held that systematic activities, even without profit motives, could be industries if they met certain criteria. However, sovereign functions of the government were exempted. The new hearing will clarify whether social welfare activities and schemes run by government departments fall under 'industrial activity'. It will also define what 'state/sovereign activities' count as industry under Section 2(j) of the Act. Section 2(j) describes 'industry' broadly as any business, trade, or employment involving employers and workers. This expands workers’ rights and protections if their workplace is considered an industrial establishment. Chief Justice Kant will constitute the nine-judge Bench by administrative order. The court has scheduled hearings for March 17 and 18, 2026. This case could impact many government-run services and employees’ legal rights.