#domestic inquiry

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that when an employer seeks approval under Section 33(2)(b) of the Industrial Disputes Act to dismiss a workman, the Labour Commissioner’s role is strictly limited to verifying procedural compliance - not evaluating whether the domestic inquiry was fair or justified. This decision reinforces that substantive fairness must be determined by industrial tribunals, not administrative officers, protecting employers from premature merit-based interference and clarifying jurisdictional boundaries in labour disputes.

Allahabad HC mandates strict completion of disciplinary proceedings against public employees within 15 weeks, including domestic inquiry and final order issuance. The ruling sets binding timelines for each stage, ensuring expeditious resolution and procedural fairness in service law matters.