Centre Informs Delhi High Court: Labour Code Rules to be Finalized by February End
The Central government has officially informed the Delhi High Court that the comprehensive rules under the newly enacted labour codes are expected to be finalized by the end of February 2026. This significant development came during a court hearing where the government provided a clear timeline for the completion of this crucial regulatory framework.
Government's Submission to the Bench
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, along with Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, presented this timeline before a bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. The government representatives emphasized that the process of framing these rules is currently under active consideration and has reached an advanced stage of development.
Public Consultation Process Completed
The government counsel informed the court that suggestions from the public have already been sought through a comprehensive consultation process. This participatory approach ensures that diverse stakeholder perspectives, including those of workers, employers, and industry representatives, have been incorporated into the rule-making process. The government is now carefully examining these suggestions before finalizing the rules.
Significance of the New Labour Codes
The new labour codes represent a landmark reform in India's labour regulatory landscape, consolidating multiple existing labour laws into four comprehensive codes. These codes cover:
- Wages
- Industrial Relations
- Social Security
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions
The finalization of rules is the last crucial step before these codes can be fully implemented across the country, potentially transforming workplace regulations and worker protections.
Next Steps in the Implementation Process
Once the rules are finalized by the end of February, the government will proceed with the formal notification and implementation process. This timeline indicates the Centre's commitment to completing this long-pending reform agenda, which has been in development for several years. The Delhi High Court is monitoring the progress to ensure timely completion of this important regulatory exercise.
The February deadline represents a concrete milestone in India's labour law reform journey, with potential implications for millions of workers and employers across various sectors of the economy.
