This article outlines the legal framework for strikes and lockouts under the Industrial Relations Code 2020 ('Code'), which streamlines India's labour laws by consolidating earlier statutes. It explains how the Code expands definitions, extends notice timelines, strengthens reporting obligations, and sets more explicit rules on when industrial action is prohibited or considered illegal. The comparison with the Industrial Disputes Act 1947 highlights key procedural and compliance changes. The key highlights include:
‣ Unified Framework – Consolidates major labour statutes
‣ Wider Definitions – Includes mass casual leave as a strike
‣ Longer Notice Period – 60-day notice for strikes/lockouts
‣ Action Restrictions – Limits during conciliation, arbitration, and tribunal proceedings
‣ Reporting Rules – Intimation to the Government and the conciliation officer within 5 days
‣ Illegality Criteria – Clear grounds for illegal or permitted continuance
‣ Financial Ban – No funding of illegal strikes/lockouts
