Rights & Immunities of Registered Trade Unions | Trade Unions Act 1926 |

Discuss the rights and immunities of registered Trade Unions - Complete 16-mark answer I. INTRODUCTION A registered trade union under the Trade Unions Act 1926 enjoys certain statutory rights and immunities to enable effective collective bargaining and protection of workers’ interests. II. RIGHTS OF REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS 1. Right to Legal Status: Becomes a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal. 2. Right to Sue and Be Sued: Can initiate legal proceedings in its own name. 3. Right to Hold Property: Can acquire, hold and transfer movable and immovable property. 4. Right to Contract: Can enter into agreements on behalf of members. 5. Right to Collect Funds: Can raise funds through subscriptions. Use funds for welfare of members and trade union activities. 6. Right to Political Funds: May constitute separate political fund by voluntary contribution. 7. Right to Inspect Books: Members have right to inspect union accounts. III. IMMUNITIES OF REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS 1. Immunity from Criminal Conspiracy: No liability under conspiracy laws for acts done in furtherance of trade dispute. Provided act is not an offence. 2. Immunity from Civil Liability: Protection from suits for inducing breach of contract or interference with trade or business. 3. Protection of Office-Bearers: Acts done in good faith are protected. 4. Immunity in Trade Disputes: Actions during lawful strikes receive limited protection. IV. LIMITATIONS Immunities apply only when: 1. Union is registered. 2. Acts are in furtherance of trade dispute. 3. No illegal activity is involved. V. CASE LAWS 1. All India Bank Employees' Association v National Industrial Tribunal: Recognized importance of trade unions, but held right to strike is not fundamental. 2. Rohtas Industries Staff Union v State of Bihar: Clarified limits of immunity in trade disputes. VI. IMPORTANCE Encourages collective bargaining. Protects unions from unnecessary litigation. Ensures balance between employer and employees. KSLU Tip: Write 7 rights + 4 immunities + 3 limitations + 2 cases. Box the immunities. End: Registered trade unions enjoy wide rights and immunities to function effectively. However, these protections are not absolute and are subject to lawful conduct, ensuring both worker protection and industrial discipline. #KSLULaw #KSLUExam2026 #LabourLaw #TradeUnionsAct1926 #RegisteredTradeUnion #TradeUnionRights #ImmunitiesOfTradeUnion #CollectiveBargaining #CriminalConspiracy #CivilLiability #RohtasIndustriesCase #BankEmployeesCase #LLBExam #BBALLBLaw #KarnatakaStateLawUniversity