Rules 13-14 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.
Rule 13 lists what must accompany draft standing orders or draft modifications: a signed statement about the establishment, its workers and their unions. Rule 14 lets a group of employers in similar establishments submit one joint draft, which is certified at a higher level than usual.
A draft standing order goes with a statement giving the establishment's name, address, email, contact number, strength and details of workers and particulars of Trade Unions they belong to. A draft modification goes with a tabular statement of the existing provision, the proposed change and reasons. A person authorised by the establishment must sign it. Employers in similar establishments may file a joint draft after consulting the concerned Trade Union; it goes to the Additional Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), who certifies it after recording reasons and giving notice and a reasonable opportunity of being heard. Central-sphere establishments only.
What the Code requires
Section 30(9) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 says draft standing orders, or draft modifications, "shall be accompanied by a statement giving such particulars, as may be prescribed", of the workers employed, the Trade Union to which they belong and the negotiating union or council, if any. Section 30(10) lets a group of employers in similar establishments, "subject to such conditions as may be prescribed", submit a joint draft; for the listed sub-sections the words "employer", "Trade Union" and "negotiating union or negotiating council" then include all the employers, unions and negotiating bodies of the similar establishments. Rules 13 and 14 fill in both. Start with section 30 for the main certification route.
Because the statement is part of the filing, a gap can slow certification. Our labour law compliance team prepares draft orders together with the supporting statement so both go in together.
Rule 13: what the statement contains
| Rule 13 | Filing | Contents of the statement |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Draft standing order | Name of the industrial establishment or undertaking; address; email address; contact number; strength and details of workers employed including particulars of Trade Unions, if any, to which they belong |
| (2) | Draft modification to an existing standing order | Particulars of the standing order proposed to be modified, with a tabular statement of each provision in force, the proposed modification and the reasons |
| (3) | Both | Signed by a person authorised by the industrial establishment or undertaking |
| (4) | Model Standing Orders, if modified | The modified orders also apply to all the units of the establishment or undertaking |
Reading the table in practice
- The statement is about identity, workforce and unions. It does not replace the draft itself, which must cover the First Schedule matters, as Schedule 1 explains.
- For a modification, the table is the heart of the filing. One row for each provision, current text, proposed text, reason. Rule 18 asks for a similar table when an application for modification is filed later; see rules 17 and 18.
- Sub-rule (4) applies where an employer adopts the Model Standing Orders and then modifies them: the modified version also applies to all units.
Rule 14: a joint draft for similar establishments
Rule 14 allows a group of employers engaged in similar industrial establishments to submit a joint draft of standing orders under section 30 "after consultation with the concerned Trade Union". The provisions of these rules then apply. Two provisos shape the process.
- The joint draft "shall be drafted and submitted to the Additional Chief Labour Commissioner (Central)", who, in consultation with the concerned certifying officers, certifies it after recording reasons.
- The certifying officer must give notice to the concerned parties and a reasonable opportunity of being heard before certifying.
| Step | Who | What |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Group of employers | Consult the concerned Trade Union |
| 2 | Group of employers | Draft a joint standing order and submit it to the Additional Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) |
| 3 | Certifying officers | Notice to the parties and a reasonable hearing |
| 4 | Additional Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) | Certifies the joint draft, in consultation with the concerned certifying officers, after recording reasons |
The Rules do not define "similar industrial establishments". Use the ordinary sense: establishments doing comparable work under comparable service conditions. If you are unsure, ask before grouping.
Why a joint draft can help
A trade association or a group of related companies may want one set of service rules. A joint draft saves repeated filings, but it also means the hearing and certification cover all of them together. Every participating employer, union and negotiating body is treated as part of the same proceeding for the purposes listed in section 30(10). Agree among yourselves, in advance, on a common draft and on who will sign the statement.
Example. Four independent manufacturing units in the same line of business decide to use common standing orders. Each has its own union. They consult the concerned Trade Union, prepare one draft, attach the rule 13(1) statement with workforce details, sign it through authorised persons and send it to the Additional Chief Labour Commissioner (Central). Notice goes to the parties and they are heard; the officer records reasons and certifies. Later, if one unit wants a change, it applies for modification of the certified orders, with the tabular statement rule 18 requires.
Common gaps to avoid
- Filing the statement without the email address or contact number that rule 13(1) lists.
- Giving worker numbers without union particulars.
- Having the statement signed by someone with no authority to sign.
- For a joint draft, forgetting the prior consultation with the concerned Trade Union.
For what follows certification, see rules 15 and 16.
Need help with draft standing orders?
The statement under rule 13 is short, but it has to match your records. Our labour law compliance team can collect the workforce and union particulars, prepare the modification table, and coordinate a joint filing where several employers are involved.
Key takeaways
- A draft standing order needs a statement with the establishment's details, worker strength and union particulars.
- A draft modification needs a tabular statement of existing provisions, proposed changes and reasons.
- An authorised person signs the statement.
- Similar establishments may file a joint draft after consulting the concerned Trade Union.
- The Additional Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) certifies a joint draft, after notice, a hearing and recorded reasons.
Read next
- Section 30: preparation and certification of draft standing orders
- Schedule 1: matters to be provided in standing orders
- Rules 11 and 12: worker representatives and authentication
- Rules 15 and 16: disposal of appeal and service of standing orders
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.