Industrial Relations Code, 2020: A Commentary

The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 is a commentary by Dr. J.K. Verma. The Code consolidates, simplifies, and rationalises the provisions of the following three central labour enactments:

1. The Trade Unions Act, 1926
2. The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
3. The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947

These three enactments stand repealed by Section 104 of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

Key Features:

• The book contains a comparative table setting out the provisions of the new code vis-a-vis the corresponding provisions of the repealed enactments.
• It incorporates relevant notifications issued under various provisions of the Code in the appropriate places.
• The book also includes the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026.

This book will be of immense value to labour law practitioners, employers, employees, academics, and all those interested in labour and industrial relations law.

About the Author:

Dr. J.K. Verma, an Advocate at the Patna High Court, has a long association with the Eastern Book Company, which published his work, Laws Relating to Premature Retirement and Resignation.

He was also privileged to revise two of their celebrated publications, Departmental Enquiries and Misconduct in Employment by Shri B.R. Ghaiye.

Other treatises by Dr. Verma include Benami Property: A Commentary; Sentencing Principles; Disciplinary Proceedings in Industry; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. The present book is Dr. Verma's latest offering to the legal fraternity.

Table of Cases
Comparative Table
Notification on Enforcement
Introduction to Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Chapter 1. Preliminary
Chapter 2. Bi-partite Forums
Chapter 3. Trade Unions
Chapter 4. Standing Orders
Chapter 5. Notice of Change
Chapter 6. Voluntary Reference of Disputes to Arbitration
Chapter 7. Mechanism for Resolution of Industrial Disputes
Chapter 8. Strikes and Lock-Outs
Chapter 9. Lay-Off, Retrenchment and Closure
Chapter 10. Special Provisions Relating to Lay-Off, Retrenchment and Closure in Certain Establishments
Chapter 11. Worker Re-Skilling Fund
Chapter 12. Unfair Labour Practices
Chapter 13. Offences and Penalties
Chapter 14. Miscellaneous
The First Schedule
The Second Schedule
The Third Schedule
Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026
Subject Index