Sections 24 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Section 24 lets a registered Trade Union change its name with the consent of two-thirds of its members, and lets two or more unions amalgamate. Section 25 deals with dissolution: notice to the Registrar within fourteen days, and distribution of funds where the union's rules are silent. In each case the change has effect only from the date the Registrar registers it.
A name change needs the consent of not less than two-thirds of all members and a written notice signed by the secretary and seven members (s.24(1), (3)). The Registrar must refuse a name identical or deceptively similar to another union's (s.24(4)). Amalgamation and name change take effect from the date of registration. On dissolution, notice signed by seven members and the secretary must reach the Registrar within fourteen days (s.25(1)).
Section 24: change of name and amalgamation
The sub-sections at a glance
| Sub-section | What it says |
|---|---|
| 24(1) | A registered union may, with the consent of not less than two-third of the total number of its members, and subject to (3), change its name |
| 24(2) | Two or more registered unions may be amalgamated in such manner as may be prescribed |
| 24(3) | Written notice of every change of name and every amalgamation, signed by the secretary and seven members (of each union, for an amalgamation), goes to the Registrar; if the amalgamated union's head office is in a different State, also to the Registrar of that State, in the prescribed manner |
| 24(4) | The Registrar shall refuse to register a name identical to that of another existing union, or so nearly resembling it as, in the Registrar's opinion, to be likely to deceive the public or the members of either union |
| 24(5) | Otherwise, if satisfied that the Code's provisions on change of name were complied with, the Registrar registers the change in the register under s.9(3); it has effect from the date of registration |
| 24(6) | The Registrar of the State of the amalgamated union's head office, if satisfied that the Code's provisions on amalgamation were complied with and that the new union is entitled to registration under s.9, registers it; the amalgamation has effect from the date of registration |
| 24(7) | A change of name does not affect rights or obligations or make any legal proceeding defective; proceedings may be continued or begun by or against the new name |
| 24(8) | Amalgamation does not prejudice any right of any of the unions or any right of a creditor of any of them |
Changing the name
The threshold is measured against the total number of members, not the number present at a meeting. A union with 600 members needs the consent of at least 400. The notice goes with the secretary's signature and those of seven members. The Registrar then applies two tests: identity or deceptive similarity with another registered union's name (s.24(4)), and compliance with the Code (s.24(5)). Until registration, the old name stays.
Section 24(7) is the comfort clause for counterparties. Contracts, pending cases and notices continue. A suit already filed in the old name continues in the new name, and a suit that could have been filed in the old name can be filed in the new one. Employers who receive a notice from a union under a new name should check that registration has happened, as the effect runs from the registration date. For help with the paperwork, union office-bearers may consult our legal consultation team.
Example (invented). "Metro Workers' Union" (900 members) resolves to rename itself "Metro Transport Workers' Union". At least 600 members must consent. The secretary and seven members sign the notice; the Registrar finds an existing union called "Metro Transport Workers Union" and refuses under s.24(4). The name stays unchanged.
Amalgamation
Section 24(2) leaves the manner of amalgamation to the rules. The Central Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 342(E), 8 May 2026), in the text reviewed, have no rule setting that manner. It remains to be found in the rules that apply to the union; where the State Government is the appropriate Government, the State's own rules apply. What the Code itself fixes is the notice: signed by the secretary and seven members of each union that is a party (s.24(3)), sent to the Registrar, and, where the amalgamated union's head office is in another State, to that State's Registrar.
The Registrar of the State of the amalgamated union's head office decides whether the new union is "entitled to registration under section 9". That links to the registration tests in sections 5 and 6 and the grounds for refusal in section 9. An amalgamation that produces a union failing the criteria will not be registered.
Sub-section (8) protects creditors and the members' rights: amalgamation "shall not prejudice any right of any such Trade Unions or any right of a creditor of any of them". A creditor of an old union does not lose the claim.
Section 25: dissolution
Notice within fourteen days
Section 25(1): "When a registered Trade Union is dissolved, notice of the dissolution signed by seven members and by the secretary of the Trade Union shall, within fourteen days of the dissolution, be sent to the Registrar". The Registrar registers it "if he is satisfied that the dissolution has been effected in accordance with the rules of the Trade Union", and the dissolution has effect from the date of such registration.
The clock runs from the dissolution, which happens under the union's own rules, not from registration. A union that dissolves by a general body resolution has fourteen days to file the notice. Missing the window is not stated in s.25 to cancel the dissolution; the Code's penalties for contraventions are dealt with in its offences chapter, and we do not assume one applies here.
Distribution of funds
Section 25(2): where dissolution has been registered "and the rules of the Trade Union do not provide for the distribution of funds of the Trade Union on dissolution, the Registrar shall divide the funds amongst the members in such manner as may be prescribed". Two points follow:
- If the union's rules provide for distribution (for example, to a named welfare body), the rules govern.
- Only when they are silent does the Registrar divide the funds among the members, in the prescribed manner.
This is one more reason to address dissolution in the rules. The rules of a union must contain the matters in s.7; see section 7.
| Event | Who signs | Time | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change of name | Secretary + seven members | With consent of two-thirds of total members | From registration |
| Amalgamation | Secretary + seven members of each union | As prescribed | From registration by the Registrar of the head-office State |
| Dissolution | Seven members + secretary | Within 14 days of dissolution | From registration |
Practical checklist
- Count against total membership before holding a name-change vote; keep the register of members updated.
- Search names before applying, since s.24(4) makes refusal mandatory for identical or deceptively similar names.
- Keep old-name records for proceedings continuing under s.24(7).
- Put a dissolution clause in the rules, including what happens to funds.
- Diary fourteen days from the dissolution resolution for notice to the Registrar.
Employers and accountants should update payee names, bank mandates and check-off records only after the Registrar has registered the change.
Need help with union restructuring?
A name change, merger or winding-up touches the union's rules, funds and registration. Our legal consultation team can help you plan the vote, prepare the notices and check each step against the Code before it goes to the Registrar.
Key takeaways
- Name change: consent of at least two-thirds of total members; notice signed by secretary and seven members (s.24(1), (3)).
- The Registrar must refuse identical or deceptively similar names (s.24(4)).
- Name change and amalgamation take effect from registration; legal proceedings and creditors' rights are preserved (s.24(5) to (8)).
- Dissolution notice within fourteen days, signed by seven members and the secretary; funds go by the rules or, if silent, as the Registrar divides them (s.25).
Read next
- Section 26-27: annual returns and recognition of trade unions
- Section 22-23: adjudication of trade union disputes
- Section 12-13: incorporation and acts applicable to registered unions
- Industrial disputes under the new labour codes
Disclaimer: Based on the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (as enacted) and, where noted, the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 342(E), 8 May 2026), as on 30 September 2026. The Code is in force from 21 November 2025; some provisions may be notified later, and State Governments make their own rules for establishments where the State is the appropriate Government. Verify the current position before acting.