Workman Dies During Inquiry: What Steps Should Management Take Next?

During the domestic inquiry, the workman died. What are the options available to the management concerning the inquiry? If management has the option to conclude the inquiry, what procedure should be followed?

Please suggest options available.

Regards,

Since the workman has expired, the inquiry has to be closed at this stage, and the charges have to be held as not proved. It cannot proceed any further as the deceased employee cannot defend himself, nor can any punishment be imposed. Treat the charges as not proven and settle the dues accordingly. Believe that the employee has been punished by Providence.

The domestic inquiry should be closed if the workman died during the period by the management. The management needs to settle the F & F (his gratuity and the full wages deducting the sustenance allowance paid) to the legal heir of the deceased workman. The workman remains clean until his misconduct is established. There remains no scope since the accused is dead. The opinion of Mr. KK is a valid one to adhere to.

The actions of a person cease with their passing. Therefore, there is no benefit in continuing disciplinary proceedings any further. Regardless of the severity of the charges against him, at the time of his death, he was merely a delinquent employee as the disciplinary proceedings were incomplete. I agree with the previous opinions regarding the actions the employer should take in this situation.

If the workman dies during the course of a domestic inquiry, it should be deemed that the charges have not been proven, and that the workman remained innocent. As such, his full and final settlement should be made, including statutory and social security payments like gratuity, leave encashment, PF, etc., as per the provisions of the statute.

Regards,
P. Senthilkumar

During the domestic enquiry that is in progress, the delinquent has passed away. As a result, the enquiry cannot proceed any further. At the next hearing, the Management Representative can present the facts to the Enquiry Officer and request the closure of the enquiry due to the employee's death. The legal dues of the deceased employee can be settled with their legal heirs as per the rules. The Enquiry Officer should formally close the enquiry upon the request of the Management Representative.