Industrial Relations Act, 2012 — section 55

55. Benches of the Commission, etc..—(1) The Chairman shall exercise general superintendence over its affairs.

(2)For the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission, the Chairman shall constitute

(a)a Full Bench of the Commission which shall consist of not less than three members of the Commission; and

(b)as many other Benches of the Commission consisting of one member of the Commission, as he may deem fit.

(3)The Benches shall

(a)adjudicate and determine an industrial dispute or any other matter which has been referred to, or brought before it under this Act;

(b)enquire into and adjudicate any matter relating to the implementation or violation of a settlement which is referred to it by the Federal Government.

(c)try offences under this Act ; and

(d)exercise and perform such other powers and functions as are or may be conferred upon or assigned to it by or under this Act or any other law: Provided that, in the performance of those functions and in the exercise of those powers, the Benches shall, unless otherwise provided in this Act, follow the procedure laid down in the regulations.

(4)If any member of the Commission is absent from, or is otherwise unable to attend any sitting of the Commission or of a Bench consisting of more than one members of which he is a member, the Chairman may reconstitute the Bench.

(5)No act, proceedings, decision, or award of the Commission or Bench shall be invalid or be called in question merely on the ground of absence or of the existence of a vacancy in or any defect in the constitution of the Commission or Bench.