Act No. 1 of 2026, dated 16-2-2026
The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Act, 2026 has received the assent of the President of India, formally bringing the amendment into the statute book.
The Act provides legal clarity on the repeal of earlier labour laws and transitional arrangements under the Industrial Relations Code framework.
1. Repeal of Existing Labour Laws
The Amendment Act provides for repeal of the following enactments:
- Trade Unions Act, 1926
- Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
- Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
The repeal will take effect from the date notified under Section 1(3) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
2. Continuity of Existing Tribunals and Authorities
To ensure a smooth transition:
- Tribunals and statutory authorities constituted under the repealed enactments
- Shall continue to function
- Until corresponding authorities under the Industrial Relations Code become operational
This provision prevents disruption in dispute resolution and regulatory functions during the transition phase.
3. Transitional Safeguards
The amendment ensures:
- Continuity of adjudication and administrative processes
- Protection of ongoing proceedings and actions
- Gradual shift from legacy labour laws to the consolidated Code framework
4. Legislative Objective
The Act aims to:
- Provide statutory clarity on repeal of earlier labour enactments
- Ensure continuity of institutional mechanisms
- Facilitate seamless implementation of the Industrial Relations Code
- Support the broader labour law consolidation framework
5. Key Takeaway
With Presidential assent to the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Act, 2026, the repeal of three major labour laws stands aligned with the Code’s commencement framework, while ensuring that existing tribunals and authorities continue to function until new institutional mechanisms under the Code are fully operational.
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