Members' club not an industry under labour law where services remain for members' self-service, pleasure and amusement.

A members' club run on an organised scale with employees and catering facilities is not treated as an "industry" under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, because the statutory definition applies only where the activity has the character of trade, business, manufacture or an undertaking analogous to them. The Court explained that the club's facilities were provided for the self-service, pleasure and amusement of its members, and that outside persons had no right to those services. Even if the club is large and well organised, its essential character remains that of a members' association rather than a commercial enterprise, so the Act does not apply.

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Issues: Whether a members' club, run on an organised scale with employees and catering facilities, is an "industry" under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

Analysis: The definition of "industry" in the Act was examined as a composite scheme, with the first part identifying the employer's occupation as business, trade, undertaking, manufacture or calling, and the second part extending the concept to the workmen engaged in that activity. The Court reviewed earlier decisions and held that an activity is an industry only if it bears the character of trade, business, manufacture or an undertaking analogous to them, producing material goods or material services. A members' club, however large or well-organised, exists for the self-service, pleasure and amusement of its members. The provision of facilities, catering, games and guest invitations did not change that essential character, because outsiders had no right to the services and the club was identified with its members rather than with an enterprise carried on as trade or business.

Conclusion: A members' club of this nature is not an industry under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and the claim that it falls within the Act fails.

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