Gratuity Dilemma: Am I Liable to Pay Without a Signed Form from the Employee?

As an employer, if I don't receive a gratuity form signed by the employee, am I still liable to pay gratuity? Also, in how many days should the employee fill out this form?

Thank you.

As per the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, under Section 7 (1), a person who is eligible for payment of gratuity under this Act, or any person authorized in writing to act on their behalf, shall send a written application to the employer within such time and in such form as may be prescribed for payment of such gratuity. The employee should submit their application on the day of leaving, and the amount would be settled within 30 days from the date of application given to the employer. Please educate the employee to submit Form I - Application by the employee. Failing to submit the form, the company will be constrained to pay interest.

Regards.