Rules 30-32 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.
Rules 30 to 32 cover lay-off in the larger factories, mines and plantations covered by Chapter X of the Code. Rule 30 prescribes the Form XIV application and service on the worker; rule 31 the thirty-day application to continue a mine lay-off; rule 32 the review of the Central Government's order.
In an establishment to which Chapter X applies, an employer needing permission to lay off a worker applies to the Central Government in Form XIV, giving reasons, and serves a copy simultaneously on the worker electronically, in person or by speed post; it also displays the application at the main entrance. A mine whose workers are laid off for fire, flood, excess of inflammable gas or explosion must apply in Form XIV within thirty days of the lay-off starting to continue it. An order on permission can be reviewed: an application within thirty days, decided within two months. Central-sphere establishments only.
Where Chapter X applies
Section 77(1) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 applies Chapter X to an industrial establishment, not seasonal or intermittent, in which not less than three hundred workers, or a higher notified number, were employed on an average per working day in the preceding twelve months. Under s.77(3) "industrial establishment" for this purpose means a factory, a mine or a plantation as defined in the Acts named there. See section 76 and 77.
Section 78 in brief
Section 78(1) bars laying off a worker on the muster roll (other than a badli or casual worker) without the prior permission of the appropriate Government, except where the lay-off is due to shortage of power or natural calamity, or, for a mine, fire, flood, excess of inflammable gas or explosion. The application states the reasons and a copy is served simultaneously on the workers concerned (s.78(2)). A mine that has laid off workers for fire, flood, gas or explosion must apply within thirty days of the start of the lay-off to continue it (s.78(3)). The Government decides after a hearing and records reasons (s.78(4)). If it does not communicate its order within sixty days, permission is deemed granted (s.78(5)). The order remains in force for one year (s.78(6)) and may be reviewed or referred to a Tribunal (s.78(7)). A lay-off without permission, or after refusal, is deemed illegal and the workers get all benefits as if not laid off (s.78(8)). Read section 78.
For any employer in this category, the timing and content of the application matter. Our labour law compliance team can prepare Form XIV and the annexures, and plan service on workers.
Rule 30: application for lay-off
| Sub-rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 30(1) | Application by the employer in Form XIV to the Central Government, seeking permission to lay off a worker, stating clearly the reasons for the intended lay-off; a copy served simultaneously on the worker concerned, electronically, in person or by speed post |
| 30(2) | The application is also displayed conspicuously on the notice board or electronic board at the main entrance |
Rule 31: application to continue a mine lay-off
Where the establishment is a mine and workers, other than badli or casual workers, have been laid off for reasons of fire, flood, excess of inflammable gas or explosion, the employer must, within thirty days from the date of commencement of the lay-off, apply in Form XIV to the Central Government electronically and by speed post, with a copy to the concerned Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), for permission to continue. The application must specify:
- (a) the number of days;
- (b) the number of workers to be laid off;
- (c) the total number of workers employed in the establishment;
- (d) the date of lay-off; and
- (e) the reasons for continuation.
Rule 32: review of order
| Sub-rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 32(1) | The Central Government may, on its own motion or on an application by the employer or any worker, review its order granting or refusing permission for the lay-off |
| 32(2) | The employer or any worker concerned, along with the order, may apply within thirty days from the date the order is made; the Government disposes of the application within two months from the date of application, after giving the parties an opportunity of being heard |
| 32(3) | For a review on its own motion, it may take necessary steps within one month of the order and, after hearing the parties, dispose of the review within two months from the date of the decision to review |
Section 78(7) says the review is "within the prescribed time from the date on which such order is made", and adds the alternative of referring the matter to a Tribunal, which must give its award within thirty days. Rule 32 supplies the thirty-day and two-month limits for review.
What Form XIV says
Form XIV is used under rules 30, 31, 33 and 35. It is headed "Application for permission to lay-off/continuation of lay-off/retrenchment/closure to the Central Government under Chapter X". To be submitted online, or on paper in exigencies. Its note says the application is to be served: for lay-off at least fifteen days before the intended lay-off; for continuation of lay-off at least fifteen days before the expiry of the earlier lay-off. The text of rules 30 and 31 does not state these periods, and rule 31 speaks of an application within thirty days of the start of the lay-off, so treat the form's note and the rule together and confirm the position on the portal before filing.
For lay-off, the form records: the number of workers to be laid off out of the total, with effect from a date, for the reasons in Annexure I; that the workers concerned were given notice in writing under section 78(2) or 78(3); that dues and compensation under section 67 read with section 78(10) have been or will be paid (or a statement that insolvency proceedings are on); a declaration on any pending court case; and a declaration that the information is true. Annexure I asks for the undertaking's particulars, status, CIN and GSTIN, production figures, audit reports for three years, inter-connected companies, reasons and details of earlier lay-offs and retrenchment in three years. Annexure II lists affected workers with UAN or CMPFO number, category, service date and wage.
Example. A factory with more than three hundred workers needs to lay off a section because of a supply problem that is not shortage of power or a natural calamity. It files Form XIV electronically with the Central Government, states the reasons, and sends a copy to each worker concerned and displays the application at the main entrance. The Government refuses permission. The employer applies for review within thirty days of the order, attaching the order; the Government hears both sides and disposes of the application within two months. Laying off without permission, or after refusal, would make the lay-off illegal under s.78(8).
Compensation for laid-off workers
Section 78(10) applies section 67 (other than its second proviso) to lay-offs under this section. See section 67 for the compensation rule, and our note on the old law, lay-off and compensation under the Industrial Disputes Act, for background.
Need help with lay-off permission?
Chapter X applications carry heavy consequences if they are late or incomplete. Our labour law compliance team can assess whether Chapter X applies, compile the Form XIV annexures and handle review applications.
Key takeaways
- Chapter X applies to factories, mines and plantations with at least three hundred workers (or a higher notified number).
- Lay-off permission: Form XIV to the Central Government, copy to the worker at once, display at the entrance.
- A mine lay-off for fire, flood, gas or explosion: apply to continue within thirty days of its start.
- Review: application within thirty days of the order; disposal within two months.
- Lay-off without permission, or after refusal, is deemed illegal (s.78(8)).
Read next
- Section 78: prohibition of lay-off without permission
- Section 67: rights of laid-off workers to compensation
- Rules 33 and 34: application for retrenchment and review
- Forms XIV, XV and XVI
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.