Section16
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020

Immunity from civil suit in certain cases

In force Act 35 of 2020 As on 15 Oct 2026

Act 35 of 2020 Ministry Labour and Employment Enacted 28 Sep 2020

Section 16 of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 deals with immunity from civil suit in certain cases. No suit or other legal proceeding shall be maintainable in any civil court against any registered Trade Union or any office-bearer or member thereof in respect of any act done in contemplation or furtherance of an industrial dispute to which a member of the Trade Union is a party on the ground only The Act was enacted on 28 Sep 2020.

(1) No suit or other legal proceeding shall be maintainable in any civil court against any registered Trade Union or any office-bearer or member thereof in respect of any act done in contemplation or furtherance of an industrial dispute to which a member of the Trade Union is a party on the ground only that such act induces some other person to break a contract of employment or that it is an interference with the trade, business, or employment of some other person or with the right of some other person to dispose of his capital or of his labour as he wills.

(2) A registered Trade Union shall not be liable in any suit or other legal proceeding in any civil court in respect of any tortuous act done in contemplation or furtherance of an industrial dispute by an agent of the Trade Union if it is proved that such person acted without the knowledge of, or contrary to express instructions given by, the executive of the Trade Union.

Section 16, The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (Act 35 of 2020).

Questions about Section 16

What does Section 16 of the Industrial Relations Code deal with?

Section 16 of the Industrial Relations Code is headed "Immunity from civil suit in certain cases". No suit or other legal proceeding shall be maintainable in any civil court against any registered Trade Union or any office-bearer or member thereof in respect of any act done in contemplation or furtherance of an industrial dispute to which a member of the Trade Union is a party on the ground only

How do I find court cases under Section 16 of the Industrial Relations Code?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Industrial Relations Code 16, section 16 Industrial Relations Code, section 16 of the Industrial Relations Code. People searching for it also type section 16 of industrial relations code 2020. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

When was Section 16 of the Industrial Relations Code enacted?

Section 16 of the Industrial Relations Code, cited as Industrial Relations Code 16, was enacted on 28 Sep 2020 as Act 35 of 2020. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.