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Mandaviya Tables Bill to Clarify India's Industrial Relations Code in Lok Sabha

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the Industrial Relations Code Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha to clarify provisions of the 2020 Code. The bill seeks to explicitly state that the repeal of older labour laws occurred automatically under the Code's own operation, preventing future legal confusion. This amendment is part of broader efforts to operationalize India's labour codes for improved industrial relations and business clarity. The move follows a recent presidential order empowering Union Territory administrators to implement the Code uniformly.

Key Points: Industrial Relations Code Amendment Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha

  • Amends the Industrial Relations Code, 2020
  • Clarifies automatic repeal of old laws
  • Aims for legal certainty in labour reforms
  • Part of push for industrial harmony and ease of business
2 min read

Mansukh Mandaviya introduces Industrial Relations Code Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduces a bill to amend the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, aiming to provide legal clarity and prevent future complications.

"to avoid any 'future unwarranted complication' - The Bill"

New Delhi, February 12

The Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday by Union Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya during Zero Hour.

The Bill seeks to amend the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, which consolidated and replaced the Trade Unions Act, 1926, the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, covering trade unions, industrial employment, and industrial disputes. It also contains savings provisions under Section 104 to ensure continuity and legal certainty.

The amendment aims to clarify that the repeal of the earlier enactments occurred automatically under Section 104 of the Code and to prevent any future confusion regarding the delegation of repeal powers to the executive.

The Bill stated that the provisions of Section 104 and a February 2026 notification, published in the Official Gazette, clearly establish that the repeal has occurred by the operation of section 104 of the Code itself, and the proposed amendment is intended to avoid any "future unwarranted complication."

The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, which consolidates and amends laws relating to trade unions, conditions of employment in industrial establishments, and dispute resolution, is a key pillar of India's labour reforms.

With labour codes gradually being operationalised across the country, clarity in administrative jurisdiction is essential to achieving the intended objectives of improved industrial harmony, worker protection, and ease of doing business.

Earlier on January 6, President Droupadi Murmu authorised the administrators and Lieutenant Governors of all the Union Territories to exercise the powers and discharge the functions of the "appropriate government" under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

The move is aimed at ensuring clarity and uniformity in the implementation of labour laws across Union Territories.

The directive has been issued pursuant to clause (1) of Article 239 of the Constitution and supersedes earlier notifications issued on January 16, 2023, and June 22, 2023.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in HR for a manufacturing unit, this is a welcome step. The old acts were a maze. A single, clear code will make compliance much simpler. The delegation of powers to UTs is also sensible for uniform implementation.
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Priyanka N
While clarity is good, I hope the "ease of doing business" doesn't come at the cost of workers' rights. The original 2020 code already raised concerns about contract labour and hire-and-fire. This amendment should be debated thoroughly in Parliament.
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Aman W
Good move to prevent future legal complications. Our judiciary is already overburdened. Such proactive amendments to close loopholes are necessary. Hope states also adopt these codes quickly for a nationwide impact.
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Kavya N
The intent is right, but implementation is everything. We've seen good laws fail due to poor ground-level execution. Training for labour officers and awareness campaigns for small factory workers are just as important as the bill itself.
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Michael C
Interesting to see India modernizing its century-old labour framework. Legal certainty is crucial for attracting foreign investment. This seems like a technical but important amendment to solidify the 2020 reforms.

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