Industrial relations in India an analytical study with special reference to the Industrial Relations Code 2020

Abstract

This thesis analytically examines the evolution, challenges, and transformations in industrial relations in India, with a special emphasis on the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. The study explores the historical trajectory of labour laws in India, highlighting the socio-economic and political factors that shaped their development. It evaluates the industrial relations framework prior to the implementation of the Code, identifying inefficiencies, fragmented legislation, and the complexities of compliance as significant obstacles. The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, introduced as part of the broader labour law reform, consolidates and rationalises key legislations, including the Trade Unions Act, 1926; the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. This study analyses the Code s provisions, focusing on its implications for workers, employers, and trade unions. Key reforms include streamlined dispute resolution mechanisms, stricter regulations on strikes, and expanded thresholds for standing orders. The research adopts a doctrinal and non-empirical approach, focusing on a critical analysis of legislative texts and relevant secondary literature. It evaluates the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, through a legal and theoretical lens, exploring its potential to balance economic growth with labour welfare. The study highlights how the Code simplifies legal processes and promotes ease of business while raising concerns about its implications for labour rights and collective bargaining. The thesis concludes by offering policy recommendations aimed at fostering equitable industrial relations. It emphasises the importance of inclusive dialogue among stakeholders, the preservation of fundamental labour rights, and the newlinerobust enforcement of labour standards as essential steps toward achieving harmonious workplace dynamics in India s rapidly evolving economic landscape. newline newline