Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026
The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by both Houses of Parliament through a voice vote. The government emphasized that this amendment aims to eliminate any legal ambiguities related to the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
Key Objectives of the Amendment
- Repeal of Legacy Laws:
- The Bill provides statutory backing for repealing three legacy labour laws:
- The Trade Unions Act, 1926
- The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
- The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
- The Bill provides statutory backing for repealing three legacy labour laws:
- Clarification on Repeal: The amendment aims to prevent any future complications concerning the continuity and repeal of the aforementioned laws.
Government's Position
- Legal Clarity: Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the amendment strengthens legal clarity.
- Labour Codes:
- The four Labour Codes, implemented three months prior, ensure:
- Minimum wages
- Issuance of appointment letters
- Uniform wages for the same work, irrespective of gender
- The four Labour Codes, implemented three months prior, ensure:
- Structural Reforms: The Codes represent reforms designed to streamline labour laws while safeguarding workers' rights.
- Support from Treasury Benches: The Bill was supported by treasury benches, including BJP allies, as a "historic reform" balancing industrial growth with labour welfare.
Legal and Procedural Clarifications
- Section 104 of the Code: Contains savings provisions to ensure continuity and legal certainty. The repeal of earlier laws has occurred by Section 104.
- Misconceptions Addressed: The amendment clarifies that the repeal is statutory and not delegated to the executive via a notification.
Opposition's Criticism
- Opposition members criticized the Bill as "anti-labour" and accused the government of undermining interests of workers, farmers, and the poor.
