Rules 15-16 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 15 sets out how an appeal against a certifying officer's order on standing orders is filed and heard: within sixty days, with a memorandum in tabular form. Rule 16 says the appellate order must be served within three days, and that certified standing orders be kept in three languages and displayed at the entrance.
An employer, Trade Union, negotiating union or council (or, failing them, a union or representative body of workers) may appeal against the certifying officer's order under s.30(5) within sixty days of receiving it, by a memorandum of appeal in tabular form stating provisions to be altered, modified, deleted or added, with reasons, filed electronically or in person. The appellate authority fixes a hearing, gives notice, may call for evidence and disposes of the appeal. Its order is served within three days. Final standing orders must be kept in Hindi, English and the local language and displayed at the entrance. Central-sphere establishments only.
The Code behind the rules
Section 32 of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 allows an employer, a Trade Union, the negotiating union or council, or, where there is none, any union or representative body of the workers, if not satisfied with the certifying officer's order under section 30(5), to appeal within sixty days of receipt to the appellate authority appointed by the appropriate Government by notification. The authority disposes of the appeal "in such manner as may be prescribed". Rule 15 is that manner. Section 33(2) asks the employer to maintain the text of certified standing orders "in such language and in such manner" as prescribed; rule 16 is that prescription. See sections 31 and 32 and sections 33 to 35.
Because the sixty days are short and the memorandum must be precise, many employers get advice before filing. Our labour law compliance team can prepare the tabular memorandum and track the timeline.
Rule 15: the appeal
| Sub-rule | Content |
|---|---|
| (1) | Who: an employer, Trade Union, negotiating union or council, or where there is none, any union or representative body of workers. When: within sixty days of receipt of the order under s.30(5). How: a memorandum of appeal in tabular form listing the provisions of the standing orders to be altered, modified, deleted or added, with reasons, filed electronically or in person with the appellate authority |
| (2) | The authority fixes a hearing date and directs notice, depending on who appealed |
| (3) | The appellant furnishes each respondent with a copy of the memorandum |
| (4) | The authority may, at any stage, call for evidence if it considers necessary |
| (5) | On the hearing date the authority takes such evidence as it considers relevant, hears the parties and disposes of the appeal |
Who gets notice
| Appeal filed by | Notice of hearing goes to |
|---|---|
| Employer (2)(a) | Trade Union, negotiating union or council; or where none, any union or representative body of workers |
| Trade Union, negotiating union or council (2)(b) | The employer and the negotiating union or council or all other Trade Unions; or where none, any union or representative body |
| Representative body of workers (2)(c) | The employer and other Trade Unions; or where no union, any other worker who joins as a party to the appeal |
The rule does not give a form number for the memorandum; it is a tabular memorandum drawn up by the appellant. No filing fee is stated in the rule text we have used.
Rule 16: serving the order and keeping the text
- Order of the appellate authority (16(1)): served electronically or otherwise within three days of disposal of the appeal, on whoever filed it: the employer, Trade Union, negotiating union or council, or union or representative body.
- Language (16(2)): the text of the standing orders as finally certified, or deemed certified, or adopted Model Standing Orders, must be maintained by the employer in Hindi, English and local language.
- Display (16(3)): certified standing orders must be displayed in a legible manner on a special board at or near the entrance through which most workers enter, and may also be posted on the designated portal or website, if any, of the establishment.
The three-language and display duties apply to certified, deemed certified and adopted Model Standing Orders, so they cover the route in rule 10 as well.
How the dates connect
Under section 33(1) of the Code, standing orders come into operation thirty days after authenticated copies are sent under section 30(8), unless an appeal is preferred, in which case they come into operation seven days after the copies of the appellate authority's order are sent in the prescribed manner. Rule 16(1)'s three-day service shortens the gap between decision and the start of that seven-day period.
| Stage | Period |
|---|---|
| Certifying officer's order to appeal | Sixty days from receipt (s.32; rule 15(1)) |
| Appellate order to service | Within three days of disposal (rule 16(1)) |
| Service of copies to operation | Seven days after copies are sent (s.33(1)) |
Example. A manufacturing employer receives the certifying officer's order with which it disagrees on a clause about shift changes. On day forty it files a memorandum in tabular form, electronically, setting out the clause, the change it wants and its reasons, and sends a copy to the recognised union. The appellate authority fixes a hearing, calls for evidence on the shift pattern, hears both sides and disposes of the appeal. The order is served on the employer within three days. The standing orders, as settled, must now be kept in Hindi, English and the local language and displayed at the main entrance.
Practical tips
- Count sixty days from the day you receive the order, not the day it is dated.
- Keep proof of electronic filing or of delivery by hand.
- Name each provision and give reasons; vague grounds invite delay.
- Send the respondents their copies and keep proof.
- After the order, update the board, the website and all three language texts together.
Need help with an appeal on standing orders?
An appeal is won or lost on the quality of the tabular memorandum and on meeting the time limits. Our labour law compliance team can review the certifying officer's order, draft the memorandum with reasons and help you set up the three-language display afterwards.
Key takeaways
- Appeal within sixty days of receiving the certifying officer's order, in a tabular memorandum, electronically or in person.
- The appellate authority fixes the hearing, gives notice, may call for evidence and disposes of the appeal.
- The appellate order is served within three days of disposal.
- Final standing orders are kept in Hindi, English and the local language.
- They are displayed on a special board at the entrance used by most workers, and may also be posted on a portal.
Read next
- Sections 31 and 32: certifying officer powers and appeals
- Sections 33 to 35: operation, register, duration and modification
- Rules 13 and 14: statement with draft standing orders
- Rules 17 and 18: register and application for modification
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.