Disciplinary Procedure

Meaning & Definition

The Disciplinary Procedure is a formalized method of handling incidents that involve employee misconduct or behaviour issues, but is not limited to: conducting investigations; issuing warnings; holding hearings; and taking corrective measures to ensure that all employees have been treated fairly, consistently, and comply with the policies of the workplace.

Importance of Disciplinary Procedure

• Guarantees that employees’ wrongful acts are assigned equally and without prejudice.
• Maintains discipline in the workplace and professionalism on one’s own behalf.
• Protects the employer against potential lawsuits.
• The employer has the right to give the employee an opportunity to explain what occurred.
• Provides for fair and equitable decision-making by HR in a consistent and transparent manner.

Legal & Regulatory Compliance

In India, the following are the legislative and regulatory provisions for the administration of discipline, Industrial Employment Standing Order Act 1946, the principles of natural justice and the Industrial Disputes Act 1947. 

All employer-employee matters where employers take disciplinary action must follow basic principles of due process and provide proper recordkeeping of actions taken, in addition to the organization’s internal HR rules.