(1) A notice of settlement in the format as specified in Part-B of Schedule-III, indicating the substance of the probable charges and enforcement actions, may, except in cases covered under Chapter VII, be issued by the Board prior to the issuance of the notice to show cause so as to afford the noticee an opportunity to file a settlement application under Chapter-II, within fifteen calendar days from the date of receipt of the settlement notice.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the settlement notice, the Board shall have the right to modify the nature of the enforcement action to be initiated against the noticee and the charges stated in the notice shall not confer any right to seek settlement on the said basis or avoid any enforcement action due to modified charges.
(3) Where a noticee does not file the settlement application under this Chapter or withdraws the settlement application at any time prior to the communication of the decision of the Panel of Whole Time Members under regulation 15, the specified proceedings may be initiated and such a noticee shall only be permitted to file a settlement application in respect of the proceedings pending before a Court or tribunal, after conclusion of the proceedings before the Adjudicating Officer or the Board, as the case may be.
CHAPTER IX SETTLEMENT WITH CONFIDENTIALITY Settlement with confidentiality.