Trade Union Definition | Registration Process & Cancellation | Trade Unions Act 1926 |

Define Trade Union. Explain the procedure for registration and grounds for cancellation - Complete 16-mark answer I. INTRODUCTION Trade unions play a vital role in protecting workers’ rights and promoting collective bargaining. Their formation and functioning are governed by the Trade Unions Act 1926 and now also recognized under the Industrial Relations Code 2020. II. DEFINITION OF TRADE UNION A Trade Union is any combination of workers or employers formed primarily to regulate relations between workmen and employers, workmen and workmen, employers and employers. It protects and promotes economic and social interests of workers. III. PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION 1. Application for Registration: Must be made to the Registrar of Trade Unions by at least 7 members of the union. 2. Requirements of Application: Must include name of trade union, address of head office, names, occupations, and addresses of members, details of office-bearers. 3. Rules of Trade Union: Union must frame rules on objectives, membership conditions, subscription fees, use of funds, procedure for election or removal of office-bearers. 4. Minimum Membership: At least 10 percent or 100 workers, whichever is less, engaged in the establishment as per amendments. 5. Registration Certificate: If satisfied, Registrar issues certificate of registration. This gives the union legal status. IV. GROUNDS FOR CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION Registrar may cancel registration on: 1. Fraud or Misrepresentation: Registration obtained by fraud or mistake. 2. Contravention of Provisions: Violation of provisions of the Act. 3. Rescission by Members: Union itself decides to dissolve. 4. Failure to Submit Returns: Non-compliance with statutory requirements. 5. Ceasing to Exist: Union becomes inactive or non-functional. V. CASE LAWS 1. All India Bank Employees' Association v National Industrial Tribunal: Recognized importance of trade unions and collective bargaining. 2. Registrar of Trade Unions v M. Mariswamy: Discussed powers of Registrar regarding registration and cancellation. VI. IMPORTANCE OF REGISTRATION Gives legal recognition. Enables union to sue and be sued, hold property, enjoy statutory protections. KSLU Tip: Write definition + 5 registration steps + 5 cancellation grounds + 2 cases. Underline section and case names. End: Trade unions are essential for safeguarding workers’ rights. Proper registration ensures legal validity, while cancellation provisions prevent misuse and ensure accountability. #KSLULaw #KSLUExam2026 #LabourLaw #TradeUnionsAct1926 #TradeUnion #RegistrationOfTradeUnion #CancellationOfRegistration #CollectiveBargaining #RegistrarOfTradeUnions #AllIndiaBankEmployeesCase #MMariswamyCase #LLBExam #BBALLBLaw #KarnatakaStateLawUniversity