These things happen only under unprofessional management. Many (employers) think that by not giving appointment orders they are in safe side that the employees cannot claim any permanency or other rights under labour laws. In fact contract of employment need not necessarily be in writing but an oral order will do the purpose. Only thing is that in a court, it is the employee who should prove that he was/ has been employed in the company and in order to prove it he should have the relevant pages of attendance register, wages register or other documents like work instructions, approvals, etc in which his signature is available. For coverage of ESI or PF, the authorities will not ask for your appointment orders but they are concerned only with Muster Rolls and Wages Register. Similarly, if you have your name entered in the Attendance Register and Wages register, that is a proof of employment. Even an appointment order can be challenged in the court because it is not a proof of having been employed.
In an establishment having certified Standing Orders, naturally, there should be included in the standing orders a clause how appointment order will be issued and therefore, in such organisation if an employee does not get appointment order before or on joining, the matter can be taken up as a violation of the process. But in a small establishment and in organisations not covered by Industrial Employment Standing Orders Act, unless and otherwise you do not have a written procedures/ HR Manual, you are out of all these formalities and you cannot demand the way you wish.
Despite all the above, I must say that by giving appointment order, the employer is establishing a legal relationship with the employee. Moreover, it is a sign of employer following a procedure. Therefore, the employer in question is a one man show person and by working for him you will be wasting your time and career. It is advisable to find some good job as soon as possible because this guy is going to be a problem maker for you and others who are employed there.
Madhu.T.K