Handling Non-Response: What Should You Do When a Worker Ignores an Enquiry Notice?

Dear All,

I am confused in a case where a notice of enquiry was served to the worker, asking for an explanation within 48 hours upon the findings of the enquiry officer. However, the worker did not provide any reply. What should be the next course of action?

Sacheein

Dear Sacheein,

Upholding the principles of natural justice, the Inquiry Officer, conducting the inquiry proceedings, must provide a reasonable opportunity to the charged/delinquent employee to defend their actions, examine their evidence/witnesses, and cross-examine the evidence/witnesses to be presented by management representatives.

This means that if the concerned employee does not show up to attend the inquiry proceedings, they should be given another opportunity to attend or inform the Inquiry Officer about their inability to be present.

The Inquiry Officer must ensure the inquiry notice is sent by Registered Post AD to the employee's recorded home and local postal addresses and also post a copy of the inquiry notice on the departmental notice board.

Dear Saacheein,

I am sending you the Enquiry Report I recently conducted in my company. It may help you out.

Thank you.

Sub-report of enquiry.

You may take action, including discharge/dismissal, as per your company policy and the requirement of manpower.

Dear all,

I am confused in a case where a notice of enquiry was served to the worker, and he was asked to provide an explanation within 48 hours regarding the findings of the enquiry officer. However, the worker did not provide any reply. What should be the next course of action?

Sacheein

Serve him a notice and give another chance to appear with a gap of at least 7 days.

Anoop K Bhagat