Forms I 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.
Form-I under the Code on Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 is the appeal form used before the Central Government Industrial Tribunal; Form-II is the receipt slip that the Registrar issues on filing. Both are printed in the Schedule to the Rules and are referred to in rule 13.
An appeal to the Tribunal is presented in Form-I, in person, by an agent, by an authorised legal practitioner, or by speed post (with registration) to the Registrar, electronically or in paper form. Form-II is the acknowledgement of receipt issued by the Registrar. The appeal carries a fee of rupees two thousand, is filed within sixty days of the order (extendable by a further sixty days for sufficient cause), and an employer must first deposit twenty-five per cent of the amount due as determined under section 125 (rule 13).
Where the forms come from
Rule 13 of the Central Rules is headed "Form, manner, time limits and fees for filing of appeal". Sub-rule (2)(a) says an appeal to the Tribunal shall be presented in Form-I, and sub-rule (2)(c) says the Registrar shall issue an acknowledgement in Form-II. The Central Rules apply where the Central Government is the appropriate Government; State-sphere matters follow State rules. The rule itself is discussed in our article on rule 13; the Code provisions on dues and appeals are in sections 125 and 126 and sections 20 to 23. If you are preparing an appeal, our legal dispute resolution team can help you with the papers.
Form-I at a glance
| Item | What the form says |
|---|---|
| Title | "Appeal under section 23 of the Code on Social Security, 2020" |
| Forum | Central Government Industrial Tribunal |
| Who files | The appellant (person aggrieved) |
| Index | Serial number, description of documents relied on, page number; signature of applicant |
| Tribunal use | Date of filing or receipt by post, registration number, signature of Registrar |
Note: the form's heading refers to section 23, while its limitation declaration refers to section 126 and rule 13(5)(b) refers to orders under sections 125 and 128. Read these as printed and check which provision your order falls under.
What goes into Form-I
The form is structured in numbered paragraphs. As printed, it asks for:
- Particulars of the appellant: name, office address, address for service of notices.
- Particulars of the respondent: the same.
- The order or notification appealed against: number (with annexure reference), date, who passed it, subject in brief.
- Jurisdiction: a declaration that the matter is within the Tribunal's jurisdiction.
- Limitation: a declaration that the appeal is within the limitation specified in section 126.
- Facts of the case: a concise chronological statement, each paragraph containing as nearly as possible a separate issue or fact.
- Remedies exhausted: a declaration that all remedies under the Code have been availed, with chronological details of representations and outcomes.
- Matters not previously filed: a declaration that no appeal, writ petition or suit has been filed or is pending on the same matter, or, if filed, its stage or decision.
- Reliefs sought, with grounds and legal provisions.
- Interim order prayed for, with reasons.
- Oral hearing at admission stage, if the appeal is sent by speed post, with a self-addressed post card or inland letter for the hearing date.
- to 15. Appeal fee details: bank draft or postal order particulars, bank name, demand draft number, or details of online fund transfer.
- List of enclosures.
It ends with a verification by the appellant that specified paragraphs are true to personal knowledge and others believed true on legal advice, and that no material fact has been suppressed.
Rule 13 conditions that go with Form-I
| Point | Rule 13 |
|---|---|
| Language | English; parties may file documents in Hindi; the Tribunal may permit Hindi proceedings but the final order is in English |
| Presentation | In person, by agent or legal practitioner, or by speed post (with registration), electronically or in triplicate in paper book form with an unused file-size envelope bearing the respondent's address (extra copies where there are more respondents) |
| Fee | Rupees two thousand, by electronic transfer or crossed demand draft in favour of the Registrar |
| Time | Sixty days from the date of issue of the order under section 125 or 128; the Tribunal may extend by a further sixty days for sufficient cause |
| Employer's deposit | No appeal by an employer is entertained unless it has deposited with the Fund constituted under section 16 a sum equal to twenty-five per cent of the amount due determined under section 125 |
| Paper book | A copy of the order, copies of documents relied on, and an index; documents marked Annexures A-1, A-2 and so on |
| Scrutiny | If defects are not formal, the Registrar asks the appellant to remove them within fifteen days; if not cured, the Registrar may decline to register the appeal, giving reasons |
| Single cause | An appeal rests on a single cause of action, with consequential reliefs only |
Form-II: the receipt slip
Form-II is short. It acknowledges receipt of the appeal filed in the Central Government Industrial Tribunal at a named place by a named person, working for a named employer and residing at a stated address, and is signed for the Registrar with a date and seal. Under rule 13(2)(c) it may be issued electronically or otherwise. Keep it: it proves the date of presentation, which matters to limitation.
Example. An employer receives an order under section 125 and wants to appeal. Within sixty days it prepares Form-I with the order and documents as annexures, pays the fee of rupees two thousand, deposits twenty-five per cent of the amount determined with the Fund under section 16, and presents the appeal. The Registrar issues Form-II. A defect that is not formal must be cured within fifteen days of the Registrar's intimation.
Need help with a Tribunal appeal?
Limitation, the twenty-five per cent deposit and the paper book are the usual points on which an appeal fails before it is heard. Our legal dispute resolution team can help you check these before you file.
Key takeaways
- Appeals to the Tribunal are in Form-I; the Registrar's acknowledgement is Form-II.
- Fee: rupees two thousand; time: sixty days, extendable by sixty for sufficient cause.
- Employer must deposit twenty-five per cent of the amount due under section 125 before its appeal is entertained.
- Form-I requires declarations on jurisdiction, limitation, exhausted remedies and no parallel proceedings.
- Keep Form-II as proof of the filing date.
Read next
- Rule 13: filing of appeals before the Tribunal
- Sections 125 and 126: assessment and appeal
- Form III: nomination for gratuity
- EPF tribunal and EPFAT appeal process under the old Act
Disclaimer: Based on the Code on Social Security, 2020 (as enacted) and, where noted, the Code on Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 344(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.