Trade Unions Act 1926: Understanding Section 14

The question asks us to identify which specific statute, among the given options, is *not* declared inapplicable to registered Trade Unions according to Section 14 of the Trade Unions Act, 1926. This section essentially clarifies that the registration of a trade union under the Trade Unions Act, 1926, does not affect the application of certain other laws to that union.

Key Provisions of Section 14

Section 14 of the Trade Unions Act, 1926, lists several statutes under which registered trade unions continue to be governed, meaning those specific statutes remain applicable to them despite their registration as trade unions. The statutes commonly listed in Section 14 are:

• The Co-operative Societies Act, 1912
• The Societies Registration Act, 1860
• The Companies Act, 1956 (or its equivalent predecessor/successor legislation applicable at the time)

The purpose is to ensure that the specific regulatory frameworks applicable to these types of organizations (co-operatives, societies, companies) still apply to a trade union if it happens to be registered under those Acts as well, or if its structure resembles them in certain ways.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option in the context of Section 14:

• The Co-operative Societies Act, 1912: This Act is explicitly mentioned in Section 14 as remaining applicable to registered trade unions.
• The Workmen Compensation Act, 1923: This Act deals with the payment of compensation to certain workmen in case of accidents. It governs the employer's liability towards employees for injury or death during employment. It is not listed in Section 14 as an Act that remains applicable despite trade union registration. Section 14 focuses on Acts governing the structure and registration of entities like societies and companies.
• The Societies Registration Act, 1860: Similar to the Co-operative Societies Act, this is another statute typically listed in Section 14, ensuring its provisions still apply to trade unions registered under it.
• The Companies Act, 1956: This Act governs companies. If a trade union has structures or registrations aligning with this Act, Section 14 ensures its continued applicability.

Conclusion on Inapplicable Statutes

Based on the analysis of Section 14 of the Trade Unions Act, 1926, the statutes that continue to apply to registered trade unions include the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and potentially the Companies Act, 1956. The statute that is NOT included in the list of those declared inapplicable (meaning it's the one the question asks for) is the Workmen Compensation Act, 1923.