The term "discipline" has different meanings depending on the context. In the realm of employment, it refers to the observance of the predetermined rules of conduct by employees as per the contract of employment.
Disciplinary Process or Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary Process or Disciplinary Action, as it is generally called, is a corrective as well as a punitive measure to ensure the contributory role and commitment of employees to the organizational goals and its effective functioning without deviation from the established rules of the organization.
Disciplinary Process, therefore, implies the remedial action taken by the employer against those employees who fail to observe the rules of discipline in the course of employment through omission or commission. Whenever a transgression of the rules of discipline is noticed on the part of any employee, the employer or the superiors authorized by the employer are empowered to initiate disciplinary action. However, such action cannot be arbitrary or violative of the Principles of Natural Justice.
Simply put, the charges of violation or misconduct should be specific, and the delinquent should be afforded all reasonable opportunities to defend himself. To ensure this, an inquiry into the charges or a Domestic Enquiry has to be conducted by appointing an independent person or any other superior, and his findings are obtained.
After this, the disposal of the disciplinary proceeding, either by award of punishment or otherwise, is left to the well-defined discretion of the disciplinary authority. If the rules provide for it, there can be an Appellate Authority to hear and dispose of any appeals against the orders of the disciplinary authority.
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