Domestic Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Conducting a Valid and Fair Domestic Inquiry | 2026

Domestic Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Conducting a Valid and Fair Domestic Inquiry | 2026

This book serves as a comprehensive guide for conducting domestic inquiries in a manner that is professional, lawful, and respectful to all parties involved. It outlines a structured, step-by-step process, starting with the definition of a valid and fair inquiry and the fundamental principles of natural justice within industrial law. It also discusses important concepts such as the burden and standard of proof.

The book goes on to explain the key practical steps involved, including reporting employee misconduct, carrying out investigations, collecting and assessing evidence, issuing show-cause letters and inquiry notices, preparing and delivering proper charges, and arranging witnesses. It further describes how to select and structure the domestic inquiry panel, detailing the roles of the chairman, panel members, and presenting officers, as well as how to handle objections during proceedings.

Additionally, the book provides sample procedures for domestic inquiries, guidance on preparing reports and decisions, explains the principle of proportionality in determining punishment, and offers an overview of relevant Industrial Court cases related to how employers conduct domestic inquiries.

About the Author:

P. Iruthayaraj A/L D. Pappusamy served as a Chairman of the Industrial Court for 13 years, where he handled cases involving dismissals, trade disputes related to collective agreements, non-compliance with court awards, and matters concerning the interpretation of such agreements. During his time there, he also utilized early evaluation and mediation methods to help resolve disputes.

Before his appointment, he worked as an Industrial Relations practitioner in several multinational companies, where he was actively involved in conducting Domestic Inquiry proceedings. Throughout his career, he has taken on roles such as Chairman, Panel Member, and Prosecuting Officer in various domestic inquiry cases.

In addition, he developed a comprehensive Certificate in Domestic Inquiry (CDI) programme and delivered it to multiple groups of IR and HR practitioners within the DRB-HICOM Group. He is also the author of Handling of Cases at the Industrial Court of Malaysia and co-author of Practical Guide on Performance Management.

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