Forms VI explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Forms VI to X cover one worker-side journey. Form VI authorises a representative. Forms VII and VIII are applications to the Central Government to recover money due to a worker under section 59(1) of the Code, and Forms IX and X are applications to the Tribunal under section 59(2) to determine the amount due. This article explains who uses each form, when, and what each contains as printed.
Form VI authorises a person to represent a worker, workers, employer or employers before an authority (rules 22, 41, 42). Form VII is the worker's own section 59(1) recovery application; Form VIII is the same application by a person authorised by a worker, or the assignee or heir of a deceased worker. Form IX (worker) and Form X (assignee or heir) ask the Tribunal under section 59(2) to determine the amount due. All of Forms VII to X refer to rule 24. The recovery forms state that a demand notice was served by speed post and that a fortnight has elapsed without payment.
The legal background: section 59
Section 59(1) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 lets a worker, a person authorised in writing, or the assignee or heirs of a deceased worker apply to the appropriate Government for recovery of money due under a settlement, an award or Chapter IX or X. If the Government is satisfied, it issues a certificate to the Collector, who recovers it as an arrear of land revenue. The application must be made within one year of the date the money became due, extendable for sufficient cause. Section 59(2) sends questions on the amount of money or the value of a benefit to a Tribunal. See our article on section 59 and on rule 24.
These forms apply to Central-sphere matters. Where the State Government is the appropriate Government, the State's rules apply. If you are owed dues and want help choosing the route, our legal dispute resolution team can assist.
The five forms at a glance
| Form | Purpose | Who files | Addressed to | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VI | Authorisation to be represented | Worker(s) or employer(s) | The authority concerned | Rules 22, 41, 42 |
| VII | Recovery of money | Worker, or workers | Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) | 59(1) |
| VIII | Recovery of money | Authorised person, assignee or heir | Same | 59(1) |
| IX | Determination of amount | Worker(s) | Central Government Industrial Tribunal | 59(2) |
| X | Determination of amount | Assignee or heir of deceased worker | Central Government Industrial Tribunal | 59(2) |
Form VI: authorisation
Titled "Authorisation by worker, group of workers, employer or group of employers to be represented in proceeding before the authority". It carries: the authority; the name of the proceeding; workers and employer as parties; the line "I/we hereby authorise Shri/Shrimati/Kumari ... to represent me/us in the above matter"; date; signature and address of the person(s) nominating; and "Accepted" with the representative's signature and address. For the rules behind it, see rules 40-43.
Form VII: worker's recovery application, section 59(1)
Who, to whom
The worker (or workers) writes to (1) the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment, New Delhi, and (2) the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) of the region.
Contents as printed
- A statement that the applicant is entitled to receive from "M/s ..." a sum of Rs. ... (in words) on account of a stated head, under Chapter IX and X of the Code, or in terms of an award (date and who gave it), or a settlement (date, parties and the duly elected representatives).
- A statement that the applicant served the management with a demand notice by speed post on a given date for that amount, and that the management has neither paid nor offered to pay "even though a fortnight has since elapsed".
- A request that the sum be recovered under section 59(1) and paid.
- Signature, address, station, date, and an annexure specifying the details of amounts claimed.
The fee for filing is not mentioned in the form.
Form VIII: by an authorised person, assignee or heir
Same structure as Form VII, in the first person of the applicant, who states that another named person "is/was entitled to receive" the sum. It adds two statements: that the applicant has been duly authorised in writing by the worker to apply and to receive payment, or that the applicant is the assignee or heir of the deceased worker and entitled to the payment. It also has an annexure for details of the amount.
Form IX: worker's application to the Tribunal, section 59(2)
Addressed "Before the Central Government Industrial Tribunal at ...", it gives (1) the name of the applicant(s) and (2) the name of the employer. The petitioner says he is a worker of the named employer and entitled to the money or benefits in the annexed statement, and prays that the Tribunal determine the amount(s) due. It is signed, or bears a thumb impression, with address, place, date, and an annexure to "specify the details of the money due or the benefits accrued together with the case for their admissibility".
Form X: assignee or heir
Same Tribunal heading. The applicant states "I am/We are the assignee(s) of the deceased worker and am/are entitled to make an application on his behalf", names the former worker and employer, refers to the annexed statement, and prays for the Tribunal to determine the amounts due. It includes the name and address of the worker, signature of the assignee or heirs, and an annexure.
Choosing the right form
| Situation | Form |
|---|---|
| Amount is clear (award, settlement, statutory dues); employer has not paid after demand notice | VII (worker) or VIII (authorised person, assignee, heir) |
| Amount or value of a benefit is disputed | IX (worker) or X (assignee or heir) |
| You want someone to appear for you | VI |
Example
A worker holds a settlement that says an allowance arrears will be paid. The employer does not pay. The worker sends a demand notice by speed post and, after a fortnight, files Form VII to the Ministry and the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), with an annexure of the amounts. If the employer disputes the value of a benefit, Form IX goes to the Tribunal. Keep the one-year limit in section 59(1) in view.
Need help recovering dues?
Workers and heirs often lose time choosing between recovery and Tribunal routes. Our legal dispute resolution team can help with the demand notice, the correct form, the annexure of amounts and follow-up with the authorities.
Key takeaways
- Form VI authorises a representative; Forms VII and VIII are section 59(1) recovery applications; Forms IX and X are section 59(2) Tribunal applications.
- Recovery forms state that a demand notice by speed post was served and a fortnight passed.
- Heirs and assignees have their own forms (VIII and X).
- Every form has an annexure for amounts.
- Section 59(1) carries a one-year limit from the date of the money becoming due, extendable for sufficient cause.
Read next
- Section 59: recovery of money due from an employer
- Rule 24: application for recovery of dues
- Rules 48-50: commissioner, fee and time for report
- Rules 40-43: complaint, authorisation and representatives
Disclaimer: Based on the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (as enacted) and, where noted, the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 342(E), 8 May 2026), as on 30 September 2026. The Code is in force from 21 November 2025; some provisions may be notified later, and State Governments make their own rules for establishments where the State is the appropriate Government. Verify the current position before acting.