(1) In accordance with the provisions of this Code, the statutory standards and employer duties governing Repeal and savings of 13 legacy enactments shall be enforced across all industrial premises, factories, mines, and workplaces throughout India.
(2) Every occupier, principal employer, contractor, and manager shall strictly implement the environmental benchmarks, machinery safeguards, working hour limitations, and welfare facilities specified under this section.
(3) Failure to maintain the health and safety standards mandated under this section shall constitute a punishable offence under Chapter XI, attracting fines and imprisonment where serious bodily injury or fatality occurs.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 134
Section 134 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 codifies the historic repeal and savings clause, repealing thirteen legacy Central labour enactments while preserving actions, licenses, and proceedings lawfully initiated under the repealed statutes.
Pending criminal prosecutions, inspector show-cause notices, and cess recovery proceedings initiated under the Factories Act, 1948 or Contract Labour Act, 1970 do not abate upon commencement of the OSH Code; trial counsel must defend them on merit under the savings provisions of Section 134.