New Delhi, February 2: The Union Government issued two gazette notifications—S.O. 464(E) and S.O. 465(E)—on Monday, introducing amendments to the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, Clarifying and removing the difficulties.
The notifications, dated February 2, 2026, are aimed at addressing transitional and implementation-related issues arising from the replacement of earlier labour laws by the Industrial Relations Code. The amendments are intended to ensure continuity, legal clarity, and administrative smoothness as the country moves from the old industrial relations regime to the new consolidated code.
The Industrial Relations Code, which subsumes key legislations such as the Industrial Disputes Act, the Trade Unions Act and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, seeks to simplify dispute resolution, regulate trade unions, and provide a uniform framework for industrial relations across the country. While the Code has already been notified for enforcement, practical challenges emerged during its rollout, particularly concerning pending cases and existing labour institutions.
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Notification S.O. 464(E) primarily addresses transitional arrangements. It allows labour courts, industrial tribunals, and other authorities constituted under the repealed laws to continue functioning until new forums under the Code are fully established. This is expected to prevent disruption in the adjudication of industrial disputes and ensure that ongoing cases are not left in a legal vacuum.
The second notification, S.O. 465(E), introduces procedural and clarificatory amendments to the Code. These changes are understood to refine certain provisions relating to dispute resolution mechanisms, institutional structures, and enforcement processes, based on feedback received since the Code’s implementation. The amendments are in the direction of “course corrections” meant to improve clarity and reduce interpretational disputes.
Alok Bhasin, Renowned labour law Expert views the move as a necessary intervention. “Transition is the most sensitive phase of any major legal reform. By formally recognising the role of existing institutions during the interim period, the government has reduced the risk of litigation and administrative confusion.”
With these notifications, the government has reinforced its intent to stabilise the labour law ecosystem while moving ahead with reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business and industrial harmony. Further clarifications and rules under the labour codes are expected in the coming months as the Centre and states work towards full-scale implementation.
