Union Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour on Tuesday. The bill seeks to avoid future complications over the continuity of certain laws replaced by the Industrial Relations Code of 2020.

The bill is expected to be taken up for consideration and passing today.

According to the statement of objects and reasons, the amendment addresses potential legal complications regarding the transition from older labour laws to the consolidated code framework introduced in 2020.

The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, replaced three significant labour legislations:

• Trade Unions Act, 1926 - governing the formation and functioning of trade unions
• Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 - regulating conditions of employment in industrial establishments
• Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 - providing machinery for investigation and settlement of industrial disputes

The Industrial Relations Code is one of four labour codes passed by Parliament in 2020 to consolidate 29 central labour laws into four comprehensive codes. The codes aim to simplify compliance, improve ease of doing business, and modernize India's labour regulatory framework.

The amendment bill appears designed to ensure smooth legal transition and prevent any unintended gaps in labour law enforcement as states implement the new code framework.

While the labour codes were enacted in 2020, their implementation has been gradual, with states required to frame rules for operationalization. The current amendment suggests the government is addressing practical challenges emerging during the transition phase.