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Industrial Disputes Lawyer in Delhi
Expert legal assistance under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (effective November 2025)
Industrial Relations Code, 2020 Legal Services
India's new labour law framework effective from 21 November 2025
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 has replaced the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, Trade Unions Act, 1926, and Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 [citation:1][citation:4]. The Code introduces significant reforms including mandatory Grievance Redressal Committees, recognition of negotiating unions, fixed-term employment benefits, and a Worker Re-Skilling Fund for retrenched workers [citation:2][citation:3][citation:8]. Our lawyers provide expert representation under the new legal framework.
Key Changes Under Industrial Relations Code 2020
| Feature | Old Law (IDA 1947) | New Law (IR Code 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold for prior permission for retrenchment/layoff | 100 workers (Chapter V-B) [citation:4] | 300 workers (Government can increase by notification) [citation:4][citation:6] |
| Grievance Redressal Committee | Not mandated | Mandatory for establishments with 20+ workers [citation:2][citation:3] |
| Fixed-Term Employment | Not formally recognized | Formally recognized; equal benefits as permanent workers; gratuity after 1 year (instead of 5) [citation:3][citation:4] |
| Strike Notice | Only in public utility services | 14 days' notice mandatory for all establishments [citation:4] |
| Worker Re-Skilling Fund | Not present | Employer contributes 15 days' wages per retrenched worker [citation:6][citation:8] |
| Trade Union Recognition | No statutory provision | Negotiating Union/Council (51% support or 20% for smaller unions) [citation:2][citation:4] |
| Dispute Resolution Forums | Labour Courts + Industrial Tribunals | Two-member Industrial Tribunals replace Labour Courts; faster resolution [citation:4] |
Types of Industrial Disputes We Handle
Termination & Retrenchment
Illegal termination, retrenchment without compliance, violation of last-come-first-go principle
Wage & Bonus Disputes
Minimum wages, bonus entitlement, overtime pay, delayed salary
Disciplinary Actions
Challenging domestic inquiry findings, disproportionate punishment
Trade Union Disputes
Recognition of negotiating unions, collective bargaining issues
Promotion & Transfer
Denial of promotion, unfair transfer, victimization
Strikes & Lockouts
Illegal strikes, lockouts, wage during strike period
Grievance Redressal Committee (IRC Section 6)
⚠️ MANDATORY COMPLIANCE - Effective May 2026
Establishments employing 20 or more workers must constitute a Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) as per the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026 notified on 8 May 2026 [citation:2]. The GRC must include women workers' representation and must resolve grievances within specified timelines [citation:2][citation:3].
Composition Requirements
Mandatory representation for women workers
Timeline for Resolution
Prescribed filing & resolution timeline
Escalation Mechanism
Appeal to Conciliation Officer
Negotiating Union & Negotiating Council
New framework for collective bargaining under IR Code
For establishments employing 300 or more workers, employers must provide suitable office accommodation for recognized negotiating unions/councils [citation:2]. Trade unions with 51% support are recognized as sole negotiating unions; otherwise, a negotiating council of unions with 20% support is formed [citation:4].
Worker Re-Skilling Fund
New benefit for retrenched workers
Dispute Resolution Process under IR Code
Grievance Filing
File before GRC (20+ workers)
Conciliation
Before Conciliation Officer
Reference
By appropriate Government
Industrial Tribunal
Two-member tribunal adjudication
Award & Enforcement
Binding order
Authorities under IR Code, 2020
| Forum/Authority | Jurisdiction | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) | First-level dispute resolution | Mandatory for 20+ workers; time-bound resolution [citation:2] |
| Conciliation Officer | All disputes - attempts settlement | Failure report to appropriate Government |
| Industrial Tribunal | Adjudication of referred disputes | Two-member tribunals replace Labour Courts; faster resolution [citation:4] |
| National Industrial Tribunal | Disputes of national importance | Appeal to Supreme Court |
| High Court (Writ) | Against orders of Tribunal | Constitutional remedy |
Model Standing Orders, 2026
Documents Required
Frequently Asked Questions (Updated for 2026)
What is the Industrial Relations Code, 2020?
The IR Code, 2020 is India's new labour law that replaces the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, Trade Unions Act, 1926, and Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946. It became effective from 21 November 2025 [citation:1][citation:3][citation:6].
Has the Industrial Disputes Act been repealed?
Yes, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, along with the Trade Unions Act, 1926 and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, stands repealed with effect from 21 November 2025 [citation:1][citation:6].
What is a Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC)?
GRC is a mandatory committee for establishments with 20+ workers as per the IR Code. It is the first-level forum for dispute resolution with prescribed timelines for filing and resolution [citation:2][citation:3].
What are the benefits of fixed-term employment under new law?
Fixed-term employees receive all benefits equal to permanent workers, including gratuity eligibility after just 1 year of continuous service (instead of 5 years) [citation:3][citation:8].
What is the Worker Re-Skilling Fund?
Employers must contribute 15 days' wages for every retrenched worker to this fund, which is used for skill development and workforce transition [citation:6][citation:8].
What are legal fees for industrial disputes under IR Code?
Based on case complexity. Free consultation available.
Facing an Industrial Dispute Under the New Labour Code?
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