When the nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court delivered its decision in State of UP vs Jai Bir Singh, much of the initial commentary focused on the divided opinions regarding the classic “ triple test ”. However, it is Justice Joymalya Bagchi ’s progressive opinion that offers the most vital blueprint for the future of labour rights in India. At a time when changes to the definition of ‘industry’ under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, exclude workers in “charitable, social or philanthropic” entities, Justice Bagchi’s emphasis on labour laws as “beneficial social legislation” underscores the urgent need to protect vulnerable employees from unequal bargaining power.…