My company in Thiruvananthapuram changed service conditions without certifying the standing orders, is this valid?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Service conditions of workmen in establishments employing 100 or more are governed by the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, and the Kerala Rent Control Act 1963 rules framed by your state. The employer must draft standing orders covering classification of workmen, working hours, leave, disciplinary action, and termination, and get them certified by the Certifying Officer in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Kerala High Court has held that uncertified or modified standing orders cannot be enforced against workmen and any change without following the certification procedure is void. You can challenge the altered service conditions before the Labour Court or raise an industrial dispute.

The model standing orders prescribed by the central or state government serve as a template. Until certification is complete, the model standing orders apply by default.