Is There a Legal Time Frame for Responding to a Show-Cause Notice? Seeking Clarity

Please help me understand if there is any specific response time for a show-cause notice as per the law. Generally, we mention 48 hours in the charge sheet. If the employee fails to respond within 48 hours from the time of receipt of the charge sheet with their explanation as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against him/her, we take actions. Could you clarify if there is any law specifying a particular time period for a response in the charge sheet/show-cause notice?

Thanks,
Rejina

There is no provision for a Show Cause notice in any law, so the question of a time frame does not arise. You can provide the same time frame that you use for a charge-sheet when issuing a show-cause notice, as the law does not prescribe any time frame for giving a response. Further, to meet the needs of natural justice, it is suggested that a time frame of at least 48 to 72 hours is given to the workmen.

Regards,
Preetam Deshpande