ID Act or any other law does not prescribe any procedure to be followed by the employer for a domestic inquiry, but it must satisfy the Principle of natural justice. The guiding principle, therefore, is that the inquiry shall be conducted without bias, and the delinquent employee shall be given an adequate opportunity to present his case. One should take care that:
1. Standing orders for the establishment should be followed.
2. The domestic inquiry must be held honestly.
3. The inquiry must be held by an authorized person.
The general workflow is as follows:
1. Issue a charge sheet within a week from the date of suspension.
2. If the workman admits the charges, there is no need for any inquiry, and the manager can punish him.
3. If he denies or does not submit any explanation or if the explanation is not satisfactory, an inquiry would be held.
4. Appoint an inquiry officer and a management representative.
5. Hand over a copy of the charge sheet and other supporting documents to the inquiry officer.
6. Serve a notice of inquiry to the employee.
7. If the worker intentionally refuses to participate in the inquiry, the inquiry can be held ex-parte.
8. Submit the inquiry report after a detailed examination of the case.
Regards,
RRS