The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of Labour & Employment.
The Bill aims to provide legal clarity regarding the repeal and continuity of labour laws subsumed under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
Objective of the Amendment
To remove any ambiguity regarding the legal status of repealed labour laws.
To strengthen the “savings clause” under Section 104 of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
To prevent future litigation or legal disputes over the repeal of previous Acts.
To ensure a smooth transition from old labour laws to the new Code framework.
Acts Repealed Under Industrial Relations Code, 2020
The 2020 Code subsumed and replaced:
Trade Unions Act, 1926
Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
The Amendment Bill reinforces that these repeals are legally valid and operational.
About Industrial Relations Code, 2020
One of the four Labour Codes passed by Parliament.
Aims to consolidate and modernise India’s labour laws.
Focuses on:
Trade unions
Industrial disputes
Conditions of employment
Retrenchment and lay-offs
Four Labour Codes in India
India consolidated 29 Central Labour Laws into four codes:
Code on Wages, 2019
Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
Code on Social Security, 2020
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
