When Is a Domestic Enquiry Necessary in Service Companies? Let's Discuss!

Dear All,

Under what circumstances is a domestic enquiry mandatory, especially in the case of service-oriented companies (non-factory units)?

Dear Deepakji,

Greetings.

Domestic enquiry is a disciplinary procedure to be followed by all establishments whenever they are willing to take strong action against an employee. This inquiry is based on the principle of natural justice and has to be conducted in an unbiased manner.

Hence, for your service industry, it is also applicable. The court looks for the rendering principle of natural justice in any adverse action by the principal employer.

Cheers,
Trisha

Dear,

It's very necessary to conduct an unbiased domestic enquiry before taking any punitive action against an employee. The steps are:

1. Issuing a charge sheet
2. Getting a reply to the charge sheet.
3. Appointing an Enquiry Officer.
4. Conducting the enquiry.

Please note that while conducting the enquiry, adequate opportunity should be given to the delinquent to defend himself, and the same should be recorded.

5. Preparation of the Enquiry report.
6. Award of punishment by the punishing authority.
7. If needed, the accused can appeal before the appealing authority.
8. The decision of the appealing authority tends to be final.

Regards,
sebuks

Thank you, Trish.

The point here is whether we need to conduct a full-fledged domestic inquiry or ensure that the rules of natural justice are being met. Employees are often absconding without any sort of communication. Do we still need to conduct a domestic inquiry in such cases?

Dear Prakash,

Greetings.
Thank you very much for explaining to our members about the domestic enquiry procedures in a nutshell. We expect you to continue to share this information in the interest of our members' knowledge.

Cheers,
Trisha
HR Professional

Dear Member,

A domestic enquiry is a must for any kind of disciplinary action. The law doesn't distinguish its application to manufacturing, service, IT, or ITES; it applies to any kind of establishment.

Regards,
Murugavel B.
Chennai

DOMESTIC = Something of home or family affairs
ENQUIRY = 1. The act of inquiry; seeking information by asking questions; interrogation

DOMESTIC ENQUIRY is an inquiry into the conduct of an employee. Charges are framed and, after observing the principles of natural justice, an order of punishment or otherwise is passed by the competent authority.

Dear All,

I would like to inquire if there is a difference between a show-cause notice and a charge sheet. If yes, what is the main difference? If no, why has the name been changed?

Regards,
Tushar Chauhan