New Delhi, February 11 In an effort to avoid any "future unwarranted complications" regarding the continuity of certain laws replaced by the 2020 Industrial Relations Code, an amendment bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the 'Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026' through a supplementary agenda shortly after the Question Hour.
According to the statement of objects and reasons for the proposed law, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 replaces the Trade Unions Act, 1926, the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which relate to trade unions, industrial employment, and industrial disputes.
It contains saving provisions under section 104 to ensure continuity and legal certainty.
"Although the repeal has occurred through the operation of section 104 of the Code itself, there is a possibility of future confusion being created on a misconceived ground that the Act delegates the power to repeal the said enactments to the executive," it explained.
The provisions of section 104 and a February 2026 notification are clear that the repeal has occurred through the operation of section 104 of the Code itself, "it is considered desirable to introduce the proposed amendment to avoid any future unwarranted complication," it noted.