A show cause notice is nothing but a communication to employee directing him to submit his reply/explanation within a specified time frame, so that punitive action should not be initiated
by the management.
After submission of show cause notice, an enquiry will be conducted by management, and on the basis of report by Enquiry Officer, if the allegations/charges are proved, a punishment will be awarded to employee (depending on the gravity of misconduct) and if not proved, the matter shall be closed, after sending a communication to employee.