Showcause Notice: It is typically issued as a preliminary step to inquire into an employee's actions or behavior. The purpose is to ask the individual to explain or justify their conduct, often in response to a complaint or an observed violation of rules or policies. It may or may not lead to further disciplinary action. The employer may decide that the employee's explanation is satisfactory and take no further action. this is typically given when there is a need for clarification or explanation before formal charges are laid.
Chargesheet: A chargesheet is more formal and typically comes after a preliminary inquiry. It outlines specific charges or allegations against an individual and is used when the employer believes that there is enough evidence to proceed with a disciplinary action. It is a precursor to a more formal disciplinary process, and if the charges are proven, it may lead to actions such as warnings, suspension, or termination. This is issued when the employer is ready to formally accuse the employee based on evidence gathered during an inquiry.