Government of Maharashtra published the draft rules titled Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026 under Section 99(1) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. These draft rules are proposed in supersession of the Industrial Disputes (Maharashtra) Rules, 1957, Maharashtra Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules, 1959, and Maharashtra Labour Union Regulations, 1927. The draft was published in the Official Gazette for information of all concerned persons. Objections and suggestions were invited within forty-five days from the date of publication in the Gazette.

The notification provides that objections and suggestions may be submitted to the Commissioner of Labour, Maharashtra State, Mumbai, through the prescribed address or notified email. Representations are to contain the name and address of the person or institution, the rule or sub-rule proposed for amendment, and the revised provision with reasons.

The draft rules contain provisions relating to definitions, applicability, and administration under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 within the State of Maharashtra. They prescribe matters concerning employers of industrial establishments, forms and procedures for settlements between employers and workers, and maintenance of records by conciliation officers.

The rules contain provisions regarding constitution and functioning of Works Committees, including number of members, representation of employers and workers, method of nomination or election of worker representatives, eligibility of candidates and voters, meetings, tenure, vacancies, facilities, annual reporting, and dissolution.

The draft also prescribes constitution of Grievance Redressal Committees in industrial establishments employing more than twenty workers. It includes equal representation of employers and workers, tenure of members, representation of women workers, and procedure for filing grievances by aggrieved workers.

The rules provide procedure for appeal or further application before conciliation authorities against decisions of Grievance Redressal Committees within specified timelines.

Further provisions relate to trade unions, including subscription from members, annual audit of accounts, empanelment or appointment of auditors, submission of audit reports, and inspection of books and records.

The draft rules continue with additional chapters and schedules prescribing forms, registers, procedures, and other matters required for implementation of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 in the State of Maharashtra. Objections and suggestions received before expiry of the specified period are to be considered by the State Government.