The Government of Uttar Pradesh has notified the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Relations Rules, 2026 under Section 99(1) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
The draft Rules were earlier published through Notification No. 251/36-2-2026 dated 10 March 2026, inviting objections and suggestions from affected persons and organisations. The notification was made available to the public on the same date, and the prescribed period of thirty days was provided for submission of objections and suggestions.
After considering the representations received from various persons and organisations, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has proceeded to issue the final Rules.
Legal Basis
The Rules have been framed under:
Section 99(1) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020;
Section 24 of the General Clauses Act, 1897; and
Other enabling provisions of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
Earlier Rules Superseded
The Uttar Pradesh Industrial Relations Rules, 2026 supersede the following earlier enactments and rules:
Uttar Pradesh Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules, 1946;
Uttar Pradesh Trade Union Regulation, 1927;
Industrial Disputes (Uttar Pradesh) Rules, 1976; and
Uttar Pradesh Industrial Relations Rules, 2021.
Key Areas Covered
The new Rules provide the regulatory framework for matters relating to:
Certification and application of standing orders;
Registration and regulation of trade unions;
Industrial disputes and conciliation proceedings;
Notices, applications and statutory filings;
Authorities constituted under the Industrial Relations Code;
Records, registers and procedural compliance; and
Other requirements connected with industrial relations administration in Uttar Pradesh.
Compliance Implications for Employers
Employers and industrial establishments operating in Uttar Pradesh should review their existing industrial relations systems and align them with the new Rules. Particular attention should be given to:
Applicability of standing orders;
Existing service rules and employment policies;
Trade union-related records and notices;
Industrial dispute and conciliation procedures;
Statutory registers and records;
Notices and filings before the competent authorities; and
Transition from the earlier Uttar Pradesh labour rules to the Industrial Relations Code framework.
Important Note
The notification marks an important step towards implementation of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 in Uttar Pradesh. Employers should examine the detailed provisions of the Rules, identify the areas requiring modification and maintain proper documentation for future inspections or proceedings.
The exact compliance requirements will depend upon the nature, size and status of the establishment, the number of workers employed and the applicability of the relevant provisions of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.