Reply to the conciliation officer in an industrial dispute

Four parts: covering letter and authorisation, the employer's written statement with parawise reply and affidavit, the attendance record of sittings, and the failure-of-conciliation note

Procedure (rule 23 of the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules 2026). The conciliation officer acts on a strike or lock-out notice, on an application, or on information about an apprehended dispute, and records it on the Ministry's portal. Each side files a statement at the first meeting (rule 23(2)). Evidence other than documents, and the application, reply and rejoinder themselves, are filed as affidavits (rule 23(7)), so Part B ends with an affidavit. Proceedings may be held physically or electronically. In the State sphere follow the State's rules; if the employer considers the State Government to be the appropriate Government, say so as the first preliminary objection, because rule 23(1)(b) requires the officer to transfer such a matter.

Time (section 53). The officer reports within forty-five days of the commencement of conciliation, or within fourteen days where the proceedings began on a section 62 notice, unless the parties agree in writing to extend the time with the officer's approval. On failure, the report goes to the parties and the appropriate Government, and is uploaded within seven days of the conclusion (rule 23(4)). Any party may then apply to the Tribunal in Form II within ninety days of receiving the report (section 53(6)).