THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CODE (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2026; Dated: 10.02.2026
The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill proposes amendments to the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, specifically to clarify the legal basis of repeal of certain earlier labour laws.
1. Proposed Amendment to Section 104(1)
The Bill seeks to substitute Section 104(1) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
The amendment clarifies that the following enactments stand repealed:
- Trade Unions Act, 1926
- Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
- Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
2. Clarification on Nature of Repeal
The proposed substitution makes it explicit that:
- The repeal of the above Acts operates by statutory mandate, and
- Not by delegated executive power
This clarification reinforces that the repeal flows directly from the legislative enactment of the Industrial Relations Code and does not depend on any separate executive notification beyond the commencement provision.
3. Effective Date and Retrospective Operation
The Bill provides that:
- The amendment shall be deemed to have come into force on 21 November 2025
- This aligns with the appointed date under Section 1(3) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020
The retrospective deeming provision ensures legal continuity and removes any ambiguity regarding the status of the repealed enactments from the date of commencement.
4. Legislative Objective
The amendment seeks to:
- Remove interpretational uncertainty regarding repeal provisions
- Ensure legislative clarity in the transition from legacy labour laws to the consolidated Labour Codes
- Reinforce the statutory foundation of the repeal mechanism
5. Key Takeaway
The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 strengthens the legal clarity surrounding the repeal of the earlier labour enactments by expressly affirming that the repeal operates through statutory authority, deemed effective from 21 November 2025.
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