Standing Orders 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.
Chapter IV of the Industrial Relation (Bihar) Rules, 2026 (rules 24 to 32) tells an employer how to adopt model standing orders or submit a draft, how a certifying officer deals with them, how long an appeal may take to file, and how certified orders are kept and displayed. Chapter V (rule 33) deals with the notice an employer gives before changing service conditions.
The rules are the Industrial Relation (Bihar) Rules, 2026, as notified in the Bihar Gazette (Extraordinary) No. Patna 698 of 1 July 2026. Rule 1(iii) says they come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. An employer adopting the Central model standing orders intimates the certifying officer of the date; if no observation is made within thirty days, the orders are deemed certified (rule 24(4)). An appeal against the certifying officer's order lies within sixty days of receipt (rule 29(1)). A change in conditions of service needs notice in Form XI (rule 33).
Later amendments and State notifications under these rules should be checked in the State Gazette. Employers in Bihar can have their draft reviewed through an employment and labour law advisory engagement before it is submitted.
Adopting the model standing orders (rule 24)
If the employer adopts the model standing orders of the Central Government referred to in section 29 of the Code for the matters relevant to the establishment, the employer intimates the certifying officer, electronically, in person, or by speed post or registered post, of the specific date from which the relevant provisions have been adopted (rule 24(1)). The adopted model standing orders apply to all units of the establishment within the country that have adopted them (rule 24(2)).
The certifying officer enters the details in the register under rule 31. If the establishment is also engaged in activities other than those for which the model orders were adopted, the officer may, within thirty days of receiving the intimation, give an observation requiring the employer to include relevant provisions; the employer must comply, and send a compliance report on those provisions, within thirty days of receiving the direction (rule 24(3)). If no observation is made within thirty days of the intimation, the standing orders are deemed certified (rule 24(4)). The Explanation says the officer shall not raise an observation where the establishment's activities are wholly covered by the activities of the establishment to which the standing orders apply.
The Central rule is explained in our post on rule 10 of the Central Rules, model standing orders and forwarding of information.
Draft standing orders: statement and joint drafts (rules 27 and 28)
The statement that accompanies a draft standing order contains the name of the establishment, address, email address, contact number, the strength and details of the workers employed and particulars of the trade union to which they belong, if any (rule 27(a)). A statement accompanying a draft modification of an existing standing order contains the particulars of the order, a tabular statement of each relevant provision in force and the proposed modification and reasons (rule 27(b)). It is signed by a person authorised by the establishment (rule 27(c)). If model standing orders are modified, the modified version also applies to all units in the country (rule 27(d)).
A group of employers in similar establishments may submit joint draft standing orders after consultation with the concerned trade union. The joint draft goes to the authority notified by the State Government, which, in consultation with the concerned certifying officers, certifies or refuses to certify after recording reasons; the certifying officer gives notice to all parties and ensures a reasonable opportunity of hearing before certifying (rule 28). The Central posts on these points are rules 13 and 14 of the Central Rules, statement with draft standing orders and similar establishments.
Worker comments and authentication (rules 25 and 26)
Where there is no trade union referred to in section 30(5)(i), the certifying officer or an authorised officer calls a meeting of the workers to elect three representatives, to whom the notice and a copy of the standing order or modification is issued, and comments are to be submitted within fifteen days from receipt of the notice (rule 25(1)). A trade union, negotiating union or constituent of a negotiating council gets a copy of the draft in English and in Hindi translation, with comments due within fifteen days (rule 25(2)).
Certified standing orders or modifications are authenticated by the certifying or appellate authority and sent electronically, and as a hard copy by registered post or speed post within a week from authentication, to the employer and all registered trade unions or elected representatives of workers (rule 26). There is no requirement of certification in cases of deemed certification under section 30(3) and where the employer has certified adoption of model standing orders (proviso).
Appeals, display and register (rules 29 to 31)
| Step | Rule | As printed |
|---|---|---|
| Who may appeal | 29(1) | An employer, trade union, negotiating union or council, or the workers' representative body, against the certifying officer's order under section 30(5) |
| Time | 29(1) | Within sixty days of receipt of the order |
| Form of appeal | 29(1) | Memorandum in tabular form stating the provisions to be altered, modified, deleted or added, with reasons; filed electronically or in person with the appellate authority |
| Copies | 29(3) | The appellant furnishes each respondent a copy of the memorandum |
| Hearing | 29(2), (4), (5) | Appellate authority fixes a date, notifies the other side, may call for evidence and disposes of the appeal after hearing the parties |
| Order | 30(1) | Sent electronically or otherwise to the person who filed the appeal |
| Maintenance | 30(2) | Final certified, deemed certified or adopted model standing orders kept by the employer in Hindi or in English and in the language understood by the majority of workers |
| Display | 30(2) | On a special board at or near the entrance through which most workers enter |
| Register | 31 | The certifying officer keeps an electronic register in Form X |
Copies of certified standing orders are furnished by the certifying officer on payment at the rate notified by the State Government, which may also be paid electronically (rule 31(2)). The rules print no rupee rate; the rate comes from the State's notification.
Modification (rule 32)
An application to modify existing standing orders under section 35(2) is submitted electronically, in person, or by registered post or speed post. It contains the particulars of the standing orders to be modified, a tabular statement of each relevant provision in force with the proposed modification and reasons, and the details of registered trade unions operating in the establishment. It is signed by a person authorised by the establishment, or by the workers, trade union or other representative body that applies.
Notice of change (rule 33)
An employer who intends to change conditions of service for any worker in respect of a matter in the Third Schedule to the Code gives notice in Form XI, electronically or otherwise, to the workers likely to be affected. It may also be posted on the establishment's designated portal, if any, and is displayed conspicuously on the notice board or electronic notice board at the main entrance. Where a registered union, negotiating union or council exists, a copy is served on the Secretary of each. The rule prints no notice period; the Code's own provision governs it. Our post on rule 19 of the Central Rules, notice for change in service conditions covers the Central rule.
A worked example
Vaishali Auto Components Pvt Ltd, Hajipur, adopts the Central model standing orders from a stated date and intimates the certifying officer by registered post. As the company also runs a small foundry that the model orders were not framed for, the officer, within thirty days, directs it to add specific provisions; the company complies within thirty days of that direction. A union appeals against part of the certified orders within sixty days, in a tabular memorandum. The company displays the final orders in Hindi at the factory gate. Later, to change shift timings, it gives Form XI notice and serves the union secretary.
Need help with standing orders in Bihar?
Standing orders that are drafted loosely, or displayed in the wrong language, invite objections and appeals. Our employment and labour law advisory team can prepare the statement, draft and Hindi translation, and manage the sixty-day appeal calendar.
Key takeaways
- Adopting the Central model standing orders needs intimation of the date to the certifying officer (rule 24).
- No observation within thirty days means deemed certification (rule 24(4)).
- Comments on a draft are due within fifteen days (rule 25).
- Appeals lie to the appellate authority within sixty days of receipt of the order (rule 29(1)).
- Certified orders are displayed on a special board at the entrance, in Hindi or English and the majority language (rule 30(2)).
- Notice of change is in Form XI and is also served on union secretaries (rule 33).
Read next
- Industrial Relation (Bihar) Rules, 2026: the Works Committee and the Grievance Redressal Committee
- Industrial Relation (Bihar) Rules, 2026: arbitration, conciliation and Tribunal procedure
- Rule 10 of the Central Rules: model standing orders and forwarding of information
Disclaimer: Based on the State or Union territory rules named above, as notified under the Labour Codes and consulted on 4 October 2026. Later amendments, State notifications, fees and forms should be checked in the State Gazette and on the State labour department website. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.