EVOLUTION OF LABOUR LAW IN INDIA

AUTHOR – MADHUMITHA, STUDENT AT TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – MADHUMITHA, EVOLUTION OF LABOUR LAW IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (5) OF 2025, PG. 282-289, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract:

The evolution of labour law in India reflects the socio-economic and political transformation of the country over time. Rooted in colonial influence and industrialization, Indian labour legislation has gradually shifted from a focus on employer control and industrial peace to the protection of workers’ rights, welfare, and social justice. This paper traces the historical development of labour laws from pre-independence statutes such as the Factories Act, 1881, to post-independence reforms, including the landmark Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. It also examines contemporary developments such as the introduction of the four Labour Codes in 2020, aiming to simplify and consolidate existing laws. The study highlights the dynamic interplay between judicial interpretation, economic liberalization, globalization, and labour rights movements in shaping labour jurisprudence. Through a critical analysis, the paper evaluates whether these changes have effectively balanced the interests of workers and employers in a rapidly changing economic environment.

Keywords:

Labour Law, India, Industrial Disputes, Labour Codes, Workers’ Rights, Industrial Relations, Social Justice, Legal Reform, Employment Legislation, Labour Welfare.