Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026

On 11th February 2026, Union Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha to clarify provisions related to repeal of earlier labour laws and administrative implementation.

Key Points

Purpose of Amendment: The Bill aims to amend the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 to clarify that the repeal of earlier labour laws took place automatically under Section 104 of the Code.
Laws Replaced: The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 had consolidated and replaced the Trade Unions Act, 1926, the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
Avoiding Legal Confusion: The amendment seeks to prevent future complications or misinterpretation regarding whether repeal powers were delegated to the executive.
Notification Support: A February 2026 Gazette notification has reinforced that the repeal occurred through the operation of Section 104 itself, providing legal continuity and certainty.
Role in Labour Reforms: The Industrial Relations Code is a key component of India’s labour reform framework, covering trade unions, industrial employment conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Administrative Clarity: The amendment is expected to support smoother implementation of labour codes and help achieve improved industrial harmony, worker protection and ease of doing business.