Question 56 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Modern
History

Question

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.

Strategy: Analyze the historical context of the late 1920s, focusing on the British government's response to rising labor and communist activities. Evaluate each option against this context, eliminating anachronistic or extreme choices. Identify the option that reflects the dual strategy of providing a controlled dispute resolution mechanism while suppressing disruptive strikes.

Key Info: ### Trade Disputes Act, 1929

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 was enacted by the British Indian government to impose restrictions on trade union activities and to provide a mechanism for settling industrial disputes. It was passed in the context of rising labor unrest and the growing influence of communists in the trade union movement during the late 1920s.

**Key Provisions:**

*   **Dispute Settlement Machinery:** The Act provided for the compulsory appointment of Courts of Inquiry and Boards of Conciliation to investigate and settle trade disputes. This corresponds to the "system of tribunals" mentioned in the correct option.
*   **Restrictions on Strikes:** It declared certain strikes and lockouts illegal. Specifically:
    *   Strikes undertaken for objects other than the furtherance of a trade dispute within the trade or industry concerned were deemed illegal.
    *   Strikes designed to coerce the government, either directly or by inflicting hardship on the community, were also illegal. This effectively banned political and sympathetic strikes.
    *   Workers in public utility services, such as railways, post, and telegraph, were required to give a 14-day prior notice before going on strike.

**Historical Context:**

The Act was introduced along with the Public Safety Bill (1928) to curb communist and socialist activities. Both were strongly opposed by nationalist leaders and the labor movement, who viewed them as repressive measures aimed at curtailing civil liberties and the rights of workers. The passage of these acts coincided with the infamous Meerut Conspiracy Case (1929-33), where several trade unionists were arrested for organizing strikes.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: the participation of workers in the management of industries.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: arbitrary powers to the management to quell industrial disputes.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: an intervention by the British Court in the event of a trade dispute.