Difference between Show Cause Notice and Charge-Sheet:-  

The fact is that no act defines Charge-Sheet or Show Cause Notice.

Any document/memo containing full details of misconduct in accordance with the provisions of Model Standing Orders or Certified Standing Orders or Service Rules will be termed as Charge-Sheet

Basically Show Cause Notice is given to an employee on the basis of the first hand information to conduct preliminary enquiry to ascertain the commission of misconduct. If during preliminary enquiry it appears prima facie that employee has committed misconduct, charge-sheet containing specific details is issued.

If the document whether it be named as charge-sheet or show cause notice contains all specific details so as to enable the workman to understand the allegations against him, makes no difference.

Punjab an Haryana High Court in the case of Om Prakash vs. P.O., Industrial Tribunal, Bhatinda, has held that f the show cause notice contains clear and specific allegations against workman employee responds to notice, it will not vitiate enquiry merely on the ground that the charge-sheet was not issued. It is not a matter of format but purpose is to apprise the employee about the misconduct.