A view of the Lok Sabha during the budget session on February 12, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI
The Lok Sabha on Thursday (February 12, 2026) passed a bill to help avoid any “future undue complication” regarding the continuity of certain laws superseded by the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Act 2026 contains savings provisions to ensure continuity and legal certainty.
The bill would help avoid any “future undue complication” regarding the continuity of certain laws replaced by the Industrial Relations Code 2020.
The Industrial Relations Act 2020 replaces the Trade Unions Act 1926, the Industrial Employment (Standing Regulations) Act 1946 and the Industrial Disputes Act 1947 relating to trade unions, employment and industrial disputes, subject to the stated objects and reasons of the proposed Act.
It contains provisions on savings under § 104 to ensure continuity and legal certainty. “Though the repeal was effected by the operation of Section 104 of the Code itself, there is a possibility of future confusion on the mistaken basis that the Act delegates the power to repeal the said provisions to the executive branch,” he explained.
It is clear from the provisions of Section 104 and the announcement of February 2026 that the cancellation occurred by the very operation of Section 104 of the Code. “It is considered desirable to implement the proposed amendment to avoid future undue complications,” it said.
Four labor codes implemented almost three months ago ensure a minimum wage guarantee. These codes also ensure mandatory issuance of appointment letters as well as uniform wages for equal work irrespective of gender, Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in response to a debate before the bill was passed.
Dominant Workers: Congress
The Congress, which had earlier participated in the discussion, said that instead of dialogue, the government had “decided to control the workers”.
Congress MP K. Suresh said Thursday’s workers’ strike was a “warning signal” and reflected the failure of the government’s policy in dealing with the workforce.
“The UPA government, unlike the current regime, was a pro-labour government. We introduced MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), promoted social justice, introduced the Food Security Act and helped workers across sectors,” he said.
Published – 12 Feb 2026 21:17 IST