JUDICIAL ACTIVISM IN ADVANCING LABOUR WELFARE: A STUDY OF BENEFICIAL INTERPRETATION IN INDIAN LABOUR LAWS

AUTHOR – SUGHESH S,SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW THE TAMILNADU DR AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSIY, CHENNAI

BEST CITATION – SUGHESH S, JUDICIAL ACTIVISM IN ADVANCING LABOUR WELFARE: A STUDY OF BENEFICIAL INTERPRETATION IN INDIAN LABOUR LAWS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 62-67, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract:

This study examines the role of judicial activism in advancing labour welfare in India through the doctrine of beneficial interpretation. Rooted in the constitutional vision of a welfare state, Indian labour laws are designed to protect workers from exploitation and ensure dignity, equality, and social justice. The paper highlights how the judiciary has played a transformative role by interpreting welfare legislation liberally, ensuring that the objectives of such laws are effectively realized. It explores the doctrinal foundations of beneficial interpretation and demonstrates how courts have expanded the scope of Fundamental Rights by harmonizing them with the Directive Principles of State Policy. Through landmark judicial decisions, the study illustrates how labour rights have evolved from mere statutory protections into enforceable constitutional guarantees. While acknowledging concerns of judicial overreach, the paper concludes that judicial activism has largely acted as a progressive force in addressing legislative gaps and socio-economic inequalities, thereby strengthening labour jurisprudence in India.

Keywords: Judicial Activism, Labour Welfare , Beneficial Interpretation, Welfare Legislation, Indian Labour Laws, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), Social Justice, Constitutional Interpretation