Source hierarchy: Gazette / official Act or Rules → competent authority notification or circular → official portal instruction → Finin2min explanation. Where they conflict, the higher legal source prevails.
| Title | Type | Local source copy | Official URL | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Contract Act, 1872 | Central Act | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/bitstream/123456789/2187/2/A187209.pdf | Employment agreements, lawful terms, restraint, breach and damages. |
| Specific Relief Act, 1963 | Central Act | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/bitstream/123456789/1583/7/A1963-47.pdf | Specific enforcement limits and contractual remedies. |
| Apprentices Act, 1961 | Central Act | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/bitstream/123456789/20564/1/aaa52__1961.pdf | Apprenticeship engagement and training. |
| Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 | Central Rules | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/ViewFileUploaded?file=showfile.pdf&path=AC_BR_59_1497_00029_00029_1733738322872%2Frulesindividualfile%2F | Procedural rules, ratios, stipend and forms; amendments must be read with the consolidated official text. |
| Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 | Central Act | Open local copy | https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/06/2bf1f0e9f04e6fb4f8fef35e82c42aa5.pdf | Personal-data duties relevant to HR systems. |
| Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 | Central Rules | Open local copy | https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/11/53450e6e5dc0bfa85ebd78686cadad39.pdf | Operational rules and phased compliance. |
| DPDP commencement notification | Notification | Open local copy | https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/11/c56ceae6c383460ca69577428d36828b.pdf | Phased commencement from 14 November 2025. |
| Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954 | State Act | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/bitstream/123456789/13587/1/delhishopsnestablishmentsact.pdf | Delhi commercial establishments. |
| Delhi Shops and Establishments Rules, 1954 | State Rules | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/ViewFileUploaded?file=delhi_shops_and_esablishment_rules_1954.pdf&path=AC_DL_64_810_00001_00001_1546953009227%2Frulesindividualfile%2F | Delhi procedures, registers, forms and notices. |
| Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961 | State Act | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/bitstream/123456789/7609/1/8_of_1962_%28e%29.pdf | Karnataka commercial establishments and employment conditions. |
| Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947 | State Act | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/bitstream/123456789/13171/1/tn-shops-and-establishments-act_1947.pdf | Tamil Nadu commercial establishments and employment conditions. |
| Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Rules, 1948 | State Rules | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/ViewFileUploaded?file=tn-shops-and-establishments-rules_1948.pdf&path=AC_TN_85_372_00006_00006_1550815759441%2Frulesindividualfile%2F | Tamil Nadu procedures, forms and registers. |
| Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act, 2019 | State Act | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/bitstream/123456789/15202/1/shops_estaact19.pdf | Gujarat commercial establishments and modern threshold framework. |
| Gujarat Shops and Establishments Rules, 2020 | State Rules | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/ViewFileUploaded?file=the_gujarat_shops_and_establishments_%28regulation_of_employment_and_conditions_of_service%29_rules%2C_2020.pdf&path=AC_GJ_66_319_00007_00007_1595570066752%2Frulesindividualfile%2F | Gujarat procedures, registers and forms. |
| Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 | State Act | Open local copy | https://www.indiacode.gov.in/bitstream/123456789/18868/1/the_rajasthan_shops_and_commercial_establishments_act%2C_1958.pdf | Rajasthan commercial establishments, working conditions and termination provisions. |
| Labour Codes employer handbook, 2026 | Official guidance | Open local copy | https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/02/83978455025732b99b0165def80ab171.pdf | Central-government establishment compliance guidance. |
| Additional FAQs on Labour Codes, 16 March 2026 | Official FAQ | Open local copy | https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/03/a4ccf4c6d97c4f1f36a6d83f8c64213d.pdf | Current official clarifications. |
| Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2026 | Central Rules | Open local copy | https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/05/6eb0c35ba63b776487a025e5123b6b12.pdf | Hours, wage records, deductions, bonus procedure and forms. |
| Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026 | Central Rules | Open local copy | https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/05/f05a2c220dcdec0ea9c55e84d9ff791f.pdf | Standing orders, disputes, retrenchment and procedural forms. |
| Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Act, 2026 | Central Amendment Act | Open local copy | https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/02/91ef39e2096112f8b798e6c45c732e2f.pdf | Amends the repeal and transition provision in section 104 with retrospective effect from 21 November 2025. |
| OSHWC FAQ, 13 March 2026 | Official FAQ | Open local copy | https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/03/d7a1038bf00f763484aa27a79a4c6306.pdf | Working conditions and sector clarifications. |
Using the source register
Open the local copy for stable reading, then verify the live official record before advising or filing. A local PDF proves what was reviewed; the official site establishes provenance and may reveal a later amendment, corrigendum or replacement.
- Choose jurisdiction
Identify Central/State authority and the establishment or worker category. - Fix the date
Select the law and amendment position applicable to the event. - Pinpoint
Record section, rule, schedule, form and page. - Preserve
Save official URL, access date, file hash and advice conclusion.
Official gateways
India Code | Ministry of Labour and Employment | Apprenticeship India | EPFO | ESIC | MeitY
Version example
An adviser answers a 2024 leave dispute in 2026. The current State Act may assist orientation, but the file needs the text in force when leave accrued and when employment ended. Record both versions if a transition provision affects the outcome.
Source hierarchy
Prefer Gazette and official statutory records, then competent-authority notifications/circulars and official portal instructions. A portal manual can explain implementation but cannot override the Act or a valid rule.
Questions
Why keep a hash? It identifies the exact source file reviewed when an official page is later replaced. Is a local copy authoritative? It is evidence of the reviewed text, but always retain its official provenance. What if State and Central pages differ? Resolve jurisdiction and the legally controlling instrument; do not blend them.
The register is a research control, not legal advice. Check commencement, saving, repeal and later judicial treatment for the facts.