In an industrial establishment, no workman can go on strike and no emp

In an industrial establishment, no workman can go on strike and no employer can declare a lock-out within how many days of conclusion of conciliation proceedings?

7 days
15 days
30 days
60 days
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017
The correct option is A. As per the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, no workman can go on strike and no employer can declare a lock-out within 7 days of the conclusion of conciliation proceedings.
Sections 22 and 23 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 prohibit strikes and lock-outs during the pendency of conciliation proceedings and for a specific period thereafter.
Section 22 (Prohibition of strikes and lock-outs in public utility services) and Section 23 (General prohibition of strikes and lock-outs) both contain provisions that prohibit strikes and lock-outs during the pendency of any conciliation proceedings before a conciliation officer or a Board and “seven days after the conclusion of any such proceedings”.
This means that after the conciliation proceedings have concluded (either by settlement, failure report submitted to the government, or reference to a tribunal), there is a cooling-off period of 7 days during which strikes and lock-outs are prohibited.
The purpose of this prohibition and the 7-day period is to provide a window for the parties to reflect on the outcome of conciliation, or for the government to consider further action (like referring the dispute for adjudication) without the pressure of immediate industrial action.