In force · As amended up to 2026-08
(2) Such settlement shall be binding for such period as is agreed upon
by the parties, and if no such period is agreed upon, for a period of
six months 2*[from the date on which the memorandum of settlement is
signed by the parties to the dispute], and shall continue to be
binding on the parties after the expiry of the period aforesaid, until the
expiry of two months from the date on which a notice in writing of an
intention to terminate the settlement is given by one of the parties to the
other party or parties to the settlement.
```
```
3*[(3) An award shall, subject to the provisions of this section, remain
in operation for a period of one year 4*[from the date on which the award
becomes enforceable under section 17A]:
```
```
Provided that the appropriate Government may reduce the said period
and fix such period as it thinks fit:
```
```
Provided further that the appropriate Government may, before the expiry
of the said period, extend the period of operation by any period not
exceeding one year at a time as it thinks fit so, however, that the total
period of operation of any award does not exceed three years from the date on
which it came into operation.
```
```
(4) Where the appropriate Government, whether of its own motion or on
the application of any party bound by the award, considers that since the
award was made, there has been a material change in the circumstances on
which it was based, the appropriate Government may refer the award or a part
of it 5*[to a Labour Court, if the award was that of a Labour Court or to a
Tribunal, if the award was that of a Tribunal or of a National Tribunal] for
decision whether the period of operation should not, by reason of such
change, be shortened and the decision of 6*[Labour Court or the Tribunal,
as the case may be] on such reference shall, 7* be final.
```
```
---------------------------------------------------------------------
```
`1. The words "arrived at in the course of a conciliation proceeding under this Act" omitted by Act 36 of 1956, s. 14 (w.e.f. 7-10-1956).`
```
2. Ins. by s. 14, ibid. (w.e.f. 7-10-1956).
```
`3. Subs. by Act 48 of 1950, s. 34 and Sch., for sub-section (3).`
`4. Ins. by Act 36 of 1956, s. 14 (w.e.f. 17-9-1956).`
`5. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for "to a Tribunal" (w.e.f. 10-3-1957). 6. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for "the Tribunal" (w.e.f. 10-3-1957). 7. The words "subject to the provision for appeal" omitted by s. 14, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-3-1957).`
```
```
```
(5) Nothing contained in sub-section (3) shall apply to any award which
by its nature, terms or other circumstances does not impose, after it has
been given effect to, any continuing obligation on the parties bound by the
award.
```
```
(6) Notwithstanding the expiry of the period of operation under sub-
section (3), the award shall continue to be binding on the parties until a
period of two months has elapsed from the date on which notice is given by any
party bound by the award to the other party or parties intimating its
intention to terminate the award.
```
```
1*[(7) No notice given under sub-section (2) or sub-section (6) shall
have effect, unless it is given by a party representing the majority of
persons bound by the settlement or award, as the case may be.]]
```
```
20.
```
```
Commencement and conclusion of proceedings.
```
```
19. Period of operation of settlements and awards.- (1) A
settlement 1* shall come into operation on such date as is agreed upon by
the parties to the dispute, and if no date is agreed upon, on the date on
which the memorandum of the settlement is signed by the parties to the
dispute.
```
```
Source: India Code