Syllabus

*Module 1: Introduction to Law and Legal Systems* 

- Basics of legal systems (common law, civil law, statutory law). 

- Structure of the judiciary and labour courts/tribunals. 

- Role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and global labour standards. 

- Key principles of constitutional law related to labour rights (e.g., Indian Constitution’s Articles 14, 19, 21, 23, 24). 

 

*Module 2: Foundations of Labour Law* 

- Evolution of labour laws (historical context, colonial vs. post-colonial frameworks). 

- Definitions: Employee vs. employer, contract labour, gig workers. 

- Scope of labour legislation (organized vs. unorganized sectors). 

- Key Indian statutes: *Industrial Disputes Act, 1947; **Factories Act, 1948; **Trade Unions Act, 1926*. 

 

*Module 3: Employment Contracts and Termination* 

- Types of employment contracts (permanent, fixed-term, casual). 

- Terms of employment (probation, notice periods, non-compete clauses). 

- Legal procedures for termination (retrenchment, layoffs, dismissal). 

- Case studies on unfair termination and remedies. 

 

*Module 4: Wages and Benefits* 

- Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (state-specific variations). 

- Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (timely payment, deductions). 

- Bonus payments under the *Payment of Bonus Act, 1965*. 

- Recent reforms: *Code on Wages, 2019* (India). 

 

*Module 5: Working Conditions and Safety* 

- Factories Act, 1948: Health, safety, and working hours. 

- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (India). 

- Rights of women workers (maternity benefits, POSH Act). 

- Child labour laws: *Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition) Act, 1986*. 

 

 

*Module 6: Social Security and Welfare* 

- Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) under *EPF Act, 1952*. 

- Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme, 1948. 

- Gratuity under *Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972*. 

- Pension schemes and recent social security reforms. 

 

*Module 7: Industrial Relations and Dispute Resolution* 

- Role of trade unions and collective bargaining. 

- Industrial Disputes Act, 1947: Strikes, lockouts, conciliation, arbitration. 

- Labour courts and tribunals: Procedures for dispute resolution. 

- Case studies on landmark labour disputes (e.g., Maruti Suzuki case). 

 

*Module 8: Labour Law Compliance and Audits* 

- Compliance requirements for employers (registers, returns, inspections). 

- Labour law audits: Checklists and risk assessment. 

- Penalties for non-compliance (fines, prosecution). 

- Role of labour consultants and compliance officers. 

 

*Module 9: Emerging Trends in Labour Law* 

- Gig economy and platform workers (rights, social security). 

- Remote work policies and legal implications. 

- Gender-neutral workplace policies (LGBTQ+ inclusivity). 

- Impact of automation and AI on labour laws. 

 

*Module 10: Comparative Labour Law* 

- Comparative study of labour laws (India, USA, EU, UAE). 

- ILO conventions and their adoption in national laws. 

- Global issues: Migrant workers, forced labour, human trafficking. 

 

*Practical Training & Skill Development* 

- *Case Study Analysis: Landmark judgments (e.g., *Bangalore Water Supply Case on "industry" definition). 

- *Drafting Exercises*: Employment contracts, termination notices, POSH policies. 

- *Mock Tribunals*: Simulated labour court proceedings. 

- *Internships*: Placement with law firms, HR departments, or NGOs focused on labour rights.