Procedural aspects during the course of inquiry under Rule 14 of the CCS (CCA) Rules: Consolidated Instructions by DoP&T OM dated 21.12.2022
No.DOPT-1673502477928
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
ESTT.(Estt. A-III)
*******
(Dated 21 December, 2022 )
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Procedural aspects during the course of inquiry under Rule 14 of the CCS (CCA) Rules
Department of Personnel and Training has issued several executive instructions on the various matters concerning procedural aspects during the course of inquiry under CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965. These instructions, usually in the form of Office Memorandum, are circulated amongst the stakeholders for facilitating them in the proper implementation of the rules/procedures regarding handling disciplinary proceedings with a view to provide easy access to the stakeholders. The essence of these instructions in the matter has been summarized in the following paras for guidance and better understanding: –
2. Inquiring Authority (Inquiry Officer)-
2.1 Rule 14(2) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965:
(2) Whenever the disciplinary authority is of the opinion that there are grounds for inquiring into the truth of any imputation of misconduct or misbehavior against a Government servant, it may itself inquire into, or appoint under this rule or under the provisions of the Public Servants (Inquiries) Act, 1850, as the case may be, an authority to inquire into the truth thereof.
Provided that where there is a complaint of sexual harassment within the meaning of rule 3 C of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, the Complaints Committee established in each Ministry or Department or Office for inquiring into such complaints, shall be deemed to be the inquiring authority appointed by the disciplinary authority for the purpose of these rules and the Complaints Committee shall hold, if separate procedure has not been prescribed for the Complaints Committee for holding the inquiry into the complaints of sexual harassment, the inquiry as far as practicable in accordance with the procedure laid down in these rules.
Explanation.—
(i) Where the disciplinary authority itself holds the inquiry, any reference in sub-rule (7) to sub-rule (20) and in sub-rule (22) to the inquiring authority shall be construed as a reference to the disciplinary authority.
(ii) Where the disciplinary authority appoints a retired Government servant as inquiring authority, any reference in sub-rule (7) to subrule (20) and in sub-rule (22) shall include such authority.
[Rule 14(2) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]
2.2 Rule 14(5) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965:
“5 (a) On receipt of the written statement of defence, the disciplinary authority may itself inquire into such of the articles of charge as are not admitted, or, if it considers it necessary so to do, appoint, under sub-rule (2), an inquiring authority for the purpose, and where all the articles of charge have been admitted by the Government servant in his written statement of defence, the disciplinary authority shall record its findings on each charge after taking such evidence as it may think fit and shall act in the manner laid down in rule 15.
(b) If no written statement of defence is submitted by the Government servant, the disciplinary authority may itself inquire into the articles of charge, or may, if it considers it necessary to do so, appoint, under subrule (2), an inquiring authority for the purpose.
(c) Where the disciplinary authority itself inquires into any article of charge or appoints an inquiring authority for holding an inquiry into such charge, it may, by an order, appoint a Government servant or a legal practitioner, to be known as the “Presenting Officer” to present on its behalf the case in support of the articles of charge.
Explanation- For the purposes of this rule, the expression ‘Government servant’ includes a person who has ceased to be in Government service.”
[Rule 14(5) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]
2.3 The following measures had been suggested to the various Ministries/Departments in regard to the appointment of Inquiry officers in the context of avoiding delays in departmental proceedings caused by excessive preoccupation of the Inquiry Officer and his unfamiliarity with the prescribed procedures:-
(i) In each Ministry/Department, a specified officer(s) of appropriate rank shall be nominated and earmarked for the purpose of conducting all the departmental enquiries arising within that Ministry/Department.
(ii) As soon as an occasion arises for taking up such an enquiry, the nominated officer will be relieved of his normal duties to such an extent as may be necessary to enable him to devote full and careful attention to the completion of the enquiry and the submission of his report. During this time, the work of which the officer is to be relieved may be distributed amongst other officers.
(iii) The nominated officers should familiarize themselves with the rules and essential procedural requirements and appreciate the difference between departmental enquiries and trials in the criminal courts. The maintenance of close personal contact with the Ministry of Home Affairs (now Deptt. of Personnel) will enable them quickly to resolve any doubts or difficulties which may arise.
[Para 2 of the OM No. 39/3272-Ests.(A) dated 13.12.1972]
(iv) Where, the volume of work in connection with the departmental inquiries is so large as to justify the appointment of a whole-time officer for the purpose of conducting departmental inquiries, Ministries/ Departments may consider the question of appointing a whole-time officer, fully trained in conducting disciplinary proceedings for a department or a group of offices or for a region.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 39/3272-Ests.(A) dated 13.12.1972]
2.4 Only disinterested officers should be appointed as Inquiry Officers in departmental proceedings. There is no bar to the immediate superior officer holding an inquiry but, as a rule, the person who undertakes this task should not be suspected of any bias in such cases. The authorities concerned should bear this in mind before an Enquiry Officer is appointed in a disciplinary case.
[Para 4 of the OM No. 6/26/60-Ests (A) date 16.02.1961]
2.5 Inquiries in disciplinary proceedings against gazetted officers of all grades involving lack of integrity or an element of vigilance are alone entrusted to Commissioner for Departmental Inquiries under the Central Vigilance Commission and other cases of disciplinary proceedings involving purely administrative or technical lapses, are not referred to the said Commissioner. It was also not possible to entrust the departmental inquiries against non-Gazetted employees to the Commissioner for Departmental Inquiries in view of the very large number of disciplinary cases of such employees coming up every year. It was further pointed out that the existing instructions contained in Ministry of Home Affairs (now Department of Personnel) O.M. No.6/26/60-Ests (A) dated 16th February 1961 already emphasize the desirability of only disinterested officers being appointed as Inquiry officers in departmental proceedings. It is also provided therein that while there is no bar to the immediate superior officer holding an inquiry, as a rule, persons who undertake this task should not be suspected of any bias in such cases and that the authorities concerned should bear this in mind before an Inquiry Officer is appointed in a disciplinary case.
[Para 2 of OM No. 39/40/70-Ests.(A) dated 09.11.1972]
2.6 Where a representation by the delinquent official against the appointment of a particular Inquiry officer on grounds of bias, is rejected by the disciplinary authority, it should be open to the delinquent official, to prefer an appeal to the appellate authority. It was pointed out that though there was no provision in the CCS (CCA) Rules for filing an appeal against an order appointing a person as Inquiry Officer in a disciplinary proceeding, such an order could, nevertheless, be reviewed under the said Rules. The Staff Side desired that in view of this position, the Inquiry officer should stay the proceedings if an application for review is filed by the delinquent official. It was agreed that obviously this should be done and the attention of the competent authorities could be drawn to the need for staying the proceedings once a review petition was submitted in such cases.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 39/40/70-Ests.(A) dated 09.11.1972]
2.7 Bias Petition against IO: It has accordingly been decided that whenever an application is moved by a Government Servant against whom disciplinary proceedings are initiated under the CCS (CA) Rules against the inquiry officer on grounds of bias, the proceedings should be stayed and the application referred, alongwith the relevant material, to the appropriate reviewing authority for considering the application and passing appropriate orders thereon.
[Para 4 of the OM No. 39/40/70-Ests.(A) dated 09.11.1972]
2.8 According to Rule 14(5) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, the disciplinary authority may itself inquire into the charges against the accused Government servant or appoint an Inquiry officer for the purpose. However, it should be possible in a majority of cases, and the more serious ones at any rate, to ensure that the disciplinary authority himself does not conduct the inquiry. It may still be not practicable to ensure in all cases that the disciplinary authority himself would not be the Inquiry Officer. Such a course may be necessary under certain circumstances particularly in small field formations where the disciplinary authority as well as the Inquiry officer may have to be one and the same person. It has accordingly been decided that unless it is unavoidable in certain cases as mentioned above, the disciplinary authority should refrain from being the Inquiry Officer and appoint another officer for the purpose.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 35014/1/76-Estt.(A) dated 29.07.1976]
2.9 IO senior from the CO: DoPT, vide OM No. 7/1/70-Est.(A) dated 06.01.1971, requested all the Ministries/ Departments to note the observations of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation (Fourth Lok Sabha), which examined the question of appointment of inquiry officers to conduct oral inquiry into the charges leveled against delinquent officer under CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965. The Committee observed that though they agree that it may not be possible to entrust always inquires against delinquent officer to gazette officers the inquiries should be conducted by an officer who is sufficiently senior to the officer whose conduct is being inquired into as inquiry by a junior officer cannot command confidence which it deserves.
[OM No. 7/1/70-Est.(A) dated 06.01.1971]
3. Examination, Cross examination and re-examination of Witnesses-
3.1 Rule 14(14) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965:
“(14) On the date fixed for the inquiry, the oral and documentary evidence by which the articles of charge are proposed to be proved shall be produced by or on behalf of the disciplinary authority. The witnesses shall be examined by or on behalf of the Presenting Officer and may be cross-examined by or on behalf of the Government servant. The Presenting Officer shall be entitled to reexamine the witnesses on any points on which they have been cross-examined, but not on any new matter, without the leave of the inquiring authority. The inquiring authority may also put such questions to the witnesses as it thinks fit.”
[Rule 14(14) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]
3.2 Whether statements made by the witnesses during the preliminary inquiry/investigation can be straightway taken on record as evidence in examination-in-chief at oral inquiries–
(i) On considering the observations made by the Supreme Court in certain cases it may be legally permissible and in accord with the principles of the natural justice to take on record the statements made by witnesses during the preliminary inquiry/investigation at oral inquiries, if the statement is admitted by the witness on its being read out to him. It is felt that by adopting this procedure it should be possible to reduce the time taken in conducting departmental inquiries. It has, therefore, been decided that in future, instead of recording the evidence of the prosecution witnesses de novo, wherever it is possible, the statement of a witness already recorded at the preliminary inquiry/investigation may be read out to him at the oral inquiry and if it is admitted by him, the cross-examination of the witness may commence thereafter straightaway. A copy of the said statement should however, be made available to the delinquent officer sufficiently in advance to at least three days before the date on which it is to come up at the inquiry.
(ii) As regards the statements recorded by the Investigating Officers of the C.B.I., which are not signed, it has been decided that the statement of the witness recorded by the Investigating Officer will be read out to him and a certificate will be recorded there under that it had been read out to the person concerned and had been accepted by him.
[Para 2 & 3 of the OM No. 134/7/75-AVD-I dated 01.06.1975]
3.3 Witnesses produced by or on behalf of the disciplinary authority in a disciplinary proceeding shall be examined by or on behalf of the presenting officer and may be cross-examined by or on behalf of the Government servants, and the presenting officer would also be entitled to re-examine the witnesses on any points on which they have been leave of the inquiring authority. Doubts have been expressed in some quarters if cross-examination by or on behalf of the Government servant could be allowed after the presenting officer has re-examined the witnesses. It is hereby clarified that if re-examination by the presenting officer is allowed on any new matter not already covered by the earlier examination/cross-examination, a cross-examination on such new matters covered by the re-examination may also be allowed to meet the ends of natural justice.
[OM No. 7/11/70-Est.(A) dated 24.09.1970]
4. Supply of Documents to the ChargedOfficer
4.1 Rule 14(11) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965:
“(11) The inquiring authority shall, if the Government servant fails to appear within the specified time or refuses or omits to plead, require the Presenting Officer to produce the evidence by which he proposes to prove the articles of charge, and shall adjourn the case to a later date not exceeding thirty days, after recording an order that the Government servant may, for the purpose of preparing his defence:
(i) inspect within five days of the order or within such further time not exceeding five days as the inquiring authority may allow, the documents specified in the list referred to in sub-rule (3);
(ii) submit a list of witnesses to be examined on his behalf;
NOTE- If the Government servant applies orally or in writing for the supply of copies of the statements of witnesses mentioned in the list referred to in sub-rule (3), the inquiring authority shall furnish him with such copies as early as possible and in any case not later than three days before the commencement of the examination of the witnesses on behalf of the disciplinary authority.
(iii) give a notice within ten days of the order or within such further time not exceeding ten days as the inquiring authority may allow, for the discovery or production of any documents which are in the possession of Government but not mentioned in the list referred to in sub-rule (3).
NOTE.- The Government servant shall indicate the relevance of the documents required by him to be discovered or produced by the Government.”
[Rule 14(11) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]
4.2 Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of Raizada Trilok Nath Vs. the Union of India, decided that failure to furnish copies of documents such as the First Information Report, and statements recorded during investigation amounts to a violation of Article 311(2) of the Constitution.
[Para 1 of the OM No. 30/5/61-AVD dated 25.08.1961]
4.3 The right of access to official records is not unlimited and it is open to the Government to deny such access if in its opinion such records are not relevant to the case, or it is not desirable in the public interest to allow such access. The power to refuse access to official records should, however, be very sparingly exercised. The question of relevancy should be looked at from the point of view of the defence and if there is any possible line of defence to which the document may, in some way be relevant, though the relevance is not clear to the disciplinary authority at the time that the request is made, the request for access should not be rejected. The power to deny access on the ground of public interest should be exercised only when there are reasonable and sufficient grounds to believe that public interest will clearly suffer. Cases of the latter type are likely to be very few and normally occasion for refusal of access on the ground that it is not in public interest should not arise if the document is intended to be used in proof of the charge and if it is proposed to produce such a document before the Inquiry Officer, if an enquiry comes to be held. It has to be remembered that serious difficulties arise when the Courts do not accept as correct the refusal by the disciplinary authority, of access to documents. In any case, where it is decided to refuse access, reasons for refusal should be cogent and substantial and should invariably be recorded in writing.
[Para 2 of the OM No. 30/5/61-AVD dated 25.08.1961]
4.4 Government servants involved in departmental enquiries often ask for access to and or supply of copies of –
(1) documents to which reference has been made in the statement of allegations;
(2) documents and records not so referred to in the statement of allegations but which the Government servant concerned considers are relevant for the purposes of his defence;
(3) statements of witnesses recorded in the course of –
(a) a preliminary enquiry conducted by the department; or
(b) investigation made by the Police.
(4) Reports submitted to Government or other competent authority including the disciplinary authority by an officer appointed to hold a preliminary inquiry to ascertain facts;
(5) reports submitted to Government or other competent authority including the disciplinary authority, by the Police after investigation.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 30/5/61-AVD dated 25.08.1961]
4.5 A list of the documents which are proposed to be relied upon to prove the charge and the facts stated in the statement of allegations should be drawn up at the time of framing the charge (This will incidentally reduce the delay that usually occurs between the service of the charge-sheet and the submission of the written statement). The list should normally include documents like the First Information Report if there is one on record. Anonymous and pseudonymous complaints on the basis of which inquiries were started need not be included in the list. The list so prepared should be supplied to the officers either along with the charge-sheet or as soon thereafter as possible. The officer should be permitted access to the documents mentioned in the list if he so desires.
[Para 4 of the OM No. 30/5/61-AVD dated 25.08.1961]
4.6 If the officer requests for any official records other than those included in the list, the request should ordinarily be acceded to in the light of what has been stated in para 4.3 above.
[Para 5 of the OM No. 30/5/61-AVD dated 25.08.1961]
4.7 While there is no doubt that the Government servant should be given access to various official records like documents to which reference has been made in the statement of allegations and documents and records which the Government servant concerned considers are relevant for the purposes of his defence though the relevancy is not clear to the disciplinary authority, doubts very often arise whether official records include the documents mentioned at items, 4 and 5 in para 4.4 above. Reports made after a preliminary enquiry, or the report made by the Police after investigation, other than those referred to in clause (a) of Sub-Section 1 of Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, are usually confidential and intended only to satisfy the competent authority whether further action in the nature of a regular departmental inquiry or any other action is called for. These reports are not usually made use of or considered in the inquiry. Ordinarily even a reference to what is contained in these reports are not made in the statement of allegations. It is not necessary to give access to the Government servant to these reports. (It is necessary to strictly avoid any reference to such reports in the statement of allegations as, if any reference is made, it would not be possible to deny access to these reports; and giving of such access to these reports will not be in public interest for the reasons stated above).
[Para 6 of the OM No. 30/5/61-AVD dated 25.08.1961]
4.8 The only remaining point is whether access should be given to the statements of witnesses recorded in the course of a preliminary enquiry conducted by the department or investigation made by the Police and if so, whether the access should be given to the statements of all witnesses or to the statements of only those witnesses who are proposed to be examined in proof of the charges or of the facts stated in the statement of allegations. These statements can be used only for the purposes of cross-examination and the Government servant is called upon to discredit only those witnesses whose statements are proposed to be relied upon in proof of the charges or of the facts stated in the statement of allegations. As such the Government servant concerned need not be given access to the statements of all witnesses examined in the preliminary enquiry or investigation made by the Police and access should be given to the statements of only those witnesses who are proposed to be examined in proof of the charges or the facts stated in the statement of allegations. In some cases, the Government servant may require copies of the statements of some witnesses on which no reliance is proposed to be placed by the disciplinary authority on the ground that he proposes to examine such witnesses on his side and that he requires the previous statement to corroborate the testimony of such witnesses before the inquiring authority. Previous statements made by a person examined as a witness is not admissible for the purposes of corroboration and access to such statements can safely be denied. However, the law recognises that if the former statement was made at or about the time when the fact took place and the person is called to give evidence about such fact in any proceedings, the previous statement can be used for purposes of corroboration. In such cases, it will be necessary to give access to the previous statements.
[Para 7 of the OM No. 30/5/61-AVD dated 25.08.1961]
4.9 The further point is the stage at which the Government servant should be permitted to have access to the statements of witnesses proposed to be relied upon in proof of the charges or of the facts stated in the statement of allegations. As stated earlier, the copies of the statements of the witnesses can be used only for the purpose of cross-examination and, therefore, the demand for copies must be made when witnesses are called for examination at the oral enquiry. If such a request is not made, the inference would be that the copies were not needed for that purpose. The copies cannot be used at any subsequent stage as those statements are not to be taken into consideration by the disciplinary authority also. Copies should be made available within a reasonable time before the witnesses are examined. It would be strictly legal to refuse access to the copies of the statements prior to the evidence stage in the departmental enquiry. However, if the Government servant makes a request for supply of copies of statements referred to at (3) of para 4.4 above before he files a written statement, the request, shall be acceded to.
[Para 8 of the OM No. 30/5/61-AVD dated 25.08.1961]
4.10 It is not ordinarily necessary to supply copies of the various documents and it would be sufficient if the Government servant is given such access as is permitted under the rules referred to above. Government servants involved in departmental proceedings when permitted to have access to official records sometimes seek permission to take photostat copies thereof. Such permission should not normally be acceded to especially if the officer proposes to make the photostat copies through a private photographer as thereby third parties would be allowed to have access to official records which is not desirable. If, however, the documents of which photostat copies are sought for are so vitally relevant to the case (e.g., where the proof of the change depends upon the proof of the hand-writing or a document the authenticity of which is disputed), the Government should itself make photostat copies and supply the same to the Government servant. In cases which are not of this or similar type (the example given above is only illustrative and not exhaustive), it would be sufficient if the Government servant is permitted to inspect the official records and take extracts therefrom as is provided for in the provision of the Central Civil Services (Classification Control and Appeal) Rules.
[Para 9 of the OM No. 30/5/61-AVD dated 25.08.1961]
5. Defence Assistant-
5.1 Rule 14(8) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965:
“(8) (a) The Government servant may take the assistance of any other Government servant posted in any office either at his headquarters or at the place where the inquiry is held, to present the case on his behalf, but may not engage a legal practitioner for the purpose, unless the Presenting Officer appointed by the disciplinary authority is a legal practitioner, or, the disciplinary authority, having regard to the circumstances of the case, so permits;
Provided that the Government servant may take the assistance of any other Government servant posted at any other station, if the inquiring authority having regard to the circumstances of the case, and for reasons to be recorded in writing, so permits.
Note: The Government servant shall not take the assistance of any other Government servant who has three pending disciplinary cases on hand in which he has to give assistance.
(b) The Government servant may also take the assistance of a retired Government servant to present the case on his behalf, subject to such conditions as may be specified by the President from time to time by general or special order in this behalf.”
[Rule 14(8) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]
5.2 When on behalf of the disciplinary authority, the case is being presented by a Prosecuting Officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation or a Government Law Officer (such as Legal Adviser, Junior Legal Adviser), there are evidently good and sufficient circumstances for the disciplinary authority to exercise his discretion in favour of the delinquent officer and allow him to be represented by a legal practioner. Any exercise of discretion to the contrary in such cases is likely to be held by the court as arbitrary and prejudicial to the defence of the delinquent Government servant.
[OM No. 11012/7/83-Estt.(A) dated 23.07.1984]
5.3 A Govt. servant should be allowed to make a representation to the Disciplinary Authority if the Inquiring Authority rejects a request for permission to take a Defence Assistant from a place other than the headquarters of the charged Govt. servant or the place of inquiry. Accordingly, in all cases where the inquiring authority rejects the request of the charged Govt. servant for engaging a defence assistant, from any station other than the headquarters of such Govt. servant or the place where the inquiry is conducted, it should record its reasons in writing and communicate the same to the charged Govt. servant to enable him to make a representation against the order, if he so desires, to the disciplinary authority. On receipt of the representation from the charged Govt. servant, the Disciplinary Authority, after applying its mind to all the relevant facts and circumstances of the case, shall pass a well-reasoned order either upholding the orders passed by the inquiring authority or acceding to the request made by the charged employee. Since such an order of the disciplinary authority will be in the nature of a step-in–aid of the Inquiry, no appeal shall/lie against that order.
[Para 4 of the OM No. 11012/3/86-Estt.(A) dated 29.04.1986]
5.4 In terms of rule 14 (8) (b) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, the Government servant concerned may take the assistance of a retired Government servant subject to the following conditions :-
(i) The retired Government servant concerned should have, retired from service under the Central Government.
(ii) If the retired Government servant is also a legal practitioner, the restrictions on engaging a legal practitioner by a delinquent Government servant to present the case on his behalf, contained in Rule 14 (8) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 would apply.
(iii) The retired Government servant concerned should not have, in any manner, been associated with the case at investigation stage or otherwise in his official capacity.
(iv) The retired Government servant concerned should not act as a defence assistant in more than seven cases at a time. The retired Government servant should satisfy the inquiring officer that he does not have more than seven cases at hand including the case in question.
[OM No. 11012/11/2002-Estt.(A) dated 05.02.2003]
5.5 The government servant (defence assistant) who has been permitted to assist the accused official should be permitted to examine, cross examine and re-examine witnesses and make submission before the Inquiry Officer on behalf of the accused official, if the accused official makes a request in writing in this behalf.
[Para 1(4) of the OM No. 6/26/60-Ests.(A) dated 08.06.1962]
6. Written brief by the Presenting Officer:
6.1 Rule 14(19) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965:
“(19) The inquiring authority may, after the completion of the production of evidence, hear the Presenting Officer, if any, appointed, and the Government servant, or permit them to file written briefs of their respective case, if they so desire.”
[Rule 14(19) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]
6.2 It will be seen from the phraseology of rule 14(19) that the inquiring authority has to hear arguments that may be advanced by the parties after their evidence has been closed. But he can, on his own or on the desire of the parties, take written briefs. In case he exercises the discretion of taking written briefs, it will be but fair that he should first take the brief from the Presenting Officer, supply a copy of the same to the Govt. servant. In case the copy of the brief of the Presenting Officer is not given to the Govt. servant, it will be like hearing arguments of the Presenting Officer at the back of the Govt. servant. In this connection, attention is also invited to the judgement of the Calcutta High Court in the case of Collector of Customs Vs. Mohd. Habibul [SLR 1973)(1) Calcutta, 321] in which it is laid down that the requirement of rule 14(19) of the CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 and the principles of natural justice demand that the delinquent officer should be served with a copy of the written brief filed by the Presenting Officer before he is called upon to file his written brief.
[Para 2 of the OM No 11012/18/77-Estt(A) dated 02.09.1978]
7. General Examination
7.1 Rule 14(18) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965:
“(18) The inquiring authority may, after the Government servant closes his case, and shall, if the Government servant has not examined himself, generally question him on the circumstances appearing against him in the evidence for the purpose of enabling the Government servant to explain any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him.”
[Rule 14(18) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]
7.2 Rule 14(18) of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, provides that, “the inquiring authority may, after the Government servant closes his case, and shall, if the Government servant has not examined himself, generally question him on the circumstances appearing against him in the evidence for the purpose of enabling the Government servant to explain any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him”. This is a formal action required to be taken by the inquiry officer before closing the inquiry. It has been seen that many a times this is not formally recorded and the inquiry gets vitiated. It is imperative that the inquiry is conducted strictly in accordance with the procedures prescribed.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 11012/3/2015-Estt.A-III dated 18.02.2015]
8. Ex-parte proceedings
8.1 Rule 14(20) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965:
“(20) If the Government servant to whom a copy of the articles of charge has been delivered, does not submit the written statement of defence on or before the date specified for the purpose or does not appear in person before the inquiring authority or otherwise fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this rule, the inquiring authority may hold the inquiry ex parte.”
[Rule 14(20) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]
8.2 In the case of Ghanshyam Das Srivastava Vs. State of Madhya Pradesh (AIR 1973 SC 1183), the Supreme Court had observed that where a Government servant under suspension pleaded his inability to attend the enquiry on account of financial stringency caused by the non-payment of subsistence allowance to him, the proceedings conducted against him exparte would be in violation of the provision of Article 311(2) of the Constitution as the person concerned did not receive a reasonable opportunity of defending himself in the disciplinary proceedings.
[Para 1 of the OM No. 11012/10/76-Estt.(A) dated 06.10.1976]
8.3 The judgment of the Supreme Court referred to in para 8.2 above indicates that in that case, the disciplinary authority proceeded with the enquiry exparte notwithstanding the fact that the Government servant concerned had specifically pleaded his inability to attend the enquiry on account of financial difficulties caused by non-payment of subsistence allowance. The Court had held that holding the enquiry exparte under such circumstances would be violative of Article 311(2) of the Constitution on account of denial of reasonable opportunity of defence. This point may also be kept in view by all authorities concerned before involving the provisions of rule 14(20) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 11012/10/76-Estt.(A) dated 06.10.1976]
9. Personal hearing by the Appellate Authority
Rule 27 of the CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 does not specifically provide for the grant of a personal hearing by the appellate authority to the Government servant before deciding the appeal preferred by him against a penalty imposed on him. The principle of right to personal hearing applicable to a judicial trial or proceeding even at the appellate stage is not applicable to departmental inquiries, in which a decision by the appellate authority can generally be taken on the basis of the records before it. However, a personal hearing of the appellant by the appellate authority at times will afford the former an opportunity to present his case more effectively and thereby facilitate the appellate authority in deciding the appeal quickly and in a just and equitable manner. As Rule 27 of the CCA Rules does not preclude the grant of personal hearing in suitable cases, it has been decided that where the appeal is against an order imposing a major penalty and the appellant makes a specific request for a personal hearing, the appellate authority may after considering all relevant circumstances of the case, allow the appellant, at its discretion, the personal hearing.
[Para 2 of the OM No. 11012/20/85-Estt.(A) dated 28.10.1985]
10. Circumstances for holding detailed inquiry under Rule 16 (Minor penalty proceeding):
Rule 16(1-A) of the CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 provides for the holding of an inquiry even when a minor penalty is to be imposed in the circumstances indicated therein. In other cases, where a minor penalty is to be imposed, Rule 16(1) ibid leaves it to the discretion of disciplinary authority to decide whether an inquiry should be held or not. The implication of this rule is that on receipt or representation of Government servant concerned on the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour communicated to him, the disciplinary authority should apply its mind to all facts and circumstances and the reasons urged in the representation for holding a detailed inquiry and form an opinion whether an inquiry is necessary or not. In a case where a delinquent Government servant has asked for inspection of certain documents and cross examination of the prosecution witnesses, the disciplinary authority should naturally apply its mind more closely to the request and should not reject the request solely on the ground that an inquiry is not mandatory. If the records indicate that, notwithstanding the points urged by the Government servant, the disciplinary authority could, after due consideration, come to the conclusion that an inquiry is not necessary, it should say so in writing indicating its reasons, instead of rejecting the request for holding inquiry summarily without any indication that it has applied its mind to the request, as such an action could be construed as denial of natural justice.
[OM No. 11012/20/85-Estt.(A) dated 28.10.1985]
11. Need for issuing speaking orders by competent Authority in disciplinary cases:
11.1 As is well known and settled by courts, disciplinary proceedings against employees conducted under the provisions of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, or under their corresponding rules, are quasi-judicial in nature and as such, it is necessary that orders in such proceedings are issued only by the competent authorities who have been specified as disciplinary/appellate/reviewing authorities under the relevant rules and the orders issued by such authorities should have the attributes of a judicial order. The Supreme Court, in the case of Mahavir Prasad Vs State of U.P.( AIR 1970 SC 1302) observed that recording of reasons in support of a decision by a quasi-judicial authority is obligatory as it ensures that the decision is reached according to law and is not a result of caprice, whim or fancy, or reached on ground of policy or expediency. The necessity to record reasons is greater if the order is subject to appeal.
[Para 1 of the OM No. 134/1/81-AVD-I dated 13.07.1981]
11.2 Where the final orders passed by the competent disciplinary/appellate authorities do not contain the reasons on the basis whereof the decisions communicated by that order were reached, such orders may not conform to legal requirements, and therefore they may be liable to be held invalid, if challenged in a court of law. It is, therefore, impressed upon all concerned that the authorities exercising disciplinary powers should issue self-contained speaking and reasoned orders conforming to the aforesaid legal requirements.
[Para 2 of the OM No. 134/1/81-AVD-I dated 13.07.1981]
11.3 Instances have also come to notice where, though the decisions in disciplinary/appellate cases were taken by the competent disciplinary/appellate authorities in the files, the final orders were not issued by that authority but only by a lower authority. As mentioned above, the disciplinary/appellate/reviewing authorities exercise quasi-judicial powers and as such, they cannot delegate their powers to their subordinates. It is, therefore, essential that the decision taken by such authorities are communicated by the competent authority under their own signatures, and the order so issued should comply with the legal requirements as indicated in the preceding paragraphs. It is only in these cases where the President is the prescribed disciplinary/appellate/reviewing authority and where the Minister concerned has considered the case and given his orders that an order may be authenticated by an officer, who has been authorised to authenticate orders in the name of the President.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 134/1/81-AVD-I dated 13.07.1981]
12. Where disciplinary proceedings are initiated against a Government servant who is officiating in a higher post on an ad-hoc basis
The question whether a Government servant appointed to a higher post on ad hoc basis should be allowed to continue in the ad hoc appointment when a disciplinary proceeding is initiated against him has been considered by this Department and it has been decided that the procedure outlined below shall be followed in such cases:-
(i) Where an appointment has been made purely on ad hoc basis against a short- term, vacancy or a leave vacancy or if the Government servant appointed to officiate until further orders in any other circumstances has held the appointment for a period less than one year, the Government servant shall be reverted to the post held by him substantively or on a regular basis, when a disciplinary proceeding is initiated against him.
(ii) Where the appointment was required to be made on ad hoc basis purely for administrative reasons (other than against a short term vacancy or a leave vacancy) and the Government servant has held the appointment for more than one year, if any disciplinary proceeding is initiated against the Government servant, he need not be reverted to the post held by him only on the ground that disciplinary proceeding has been initiated against him.
Appropriate action in such cases will be taken depending on the outcome of the disciplinary case.
[OM No. 11012/9/86-Estt.(A) dated 24.12.1986]
13 Disciplinary action for acts done by the Government servants in their previous or earlier employment:
An employee is not precluded from taking action against an employee in respect of misconduct committed before his employment if the misconduct was of such a nature as has rational connection with his present employment and renders him unfit and unsuitable for continuing in service. A provision in the Discipline Rules that penalties can be imposed for ‘good and sufficient reasons’, as in rule 11 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, would be adequate authority for taking action in respect of misconduct of the nature referred to above. When such action is taken, the charge should specifically state that it renders him unfit and unsuitable for continuance in service.
[OM No. 39/1/67-Ests(A) dated 21.02.1967]
14. Consideration of past bad record for the purpose of imposition of penalty in disciplinary proceedings:
14.1 If previous bad record, punishment etc. of an officer is proposed to be taken into consideration in determining the penalty to be imposed, it should be made a specific charge in the chargesheet itself, otherwise any mention of the past bad record in the order of penalty unwittingly or in a routine manner, when this had not been mentioned in the chargesheet, would vitiate the proceedings, and so should be eschewed.
[Para 1 of the OM No. 134/20/68-AVD dated 28.08.1968]
14.2 In this connection attention is invited to the following extract from the judgement of the Supreme Court in the State of Mysore Vs. K. Monche Gowda (AIR 1964 SC 506):-
“We……hold that it is incumbent upon the authority to give the Government servant at the second stage reasonable opportunity to show cause against the proposed punishment and if the proposed punishment is based on his previous punishments or his previous bad record, this should be included in the second notice so that he may be able to give an explanation…
In the present case the second show cause notice does not mention that the Government intended to take his previous punishments into consideration in proposing to dismiss him from service. On the country, the said notice put him on the wrong scent, for it told him that it proposed to dismiss him from service as the charges proved against him were grave… indicate that the show cause notice did not give the only reason which influenced the Government to dismiss the respondent from service. This notice clearly contravened the provisions of Art. 311(2) of the Constitution as interpreted by Court.”
[Para 2 of the OM No. 134/20/68-AVD dated 28.08.1968]
14.3 These observations were made by the Supreme Court in the context of the provisions of Article 311(2) of the constitution before its amendment by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 1963. Under the amended Article, at the stage of show cause notice the Government servant has to be given a ‘reasonable opportunity’ of making representation on the penalty proposed, but only on the basis of evidence adduced during the enquiry. This would indicate that at the second stage, the procedure should be limited only to the proposed penalty on the basis of the proved charges and additional material in the form of past bad record etc. cannot be introduced. If such matter is to be introduced, the Government servant must have a right to make his representation on those matters and for that purpose to call for confidential record and even witnesses to establish mitigating circumstances like his subsequent good conduct. This will be contrary to amended Article 311(2) which clearly limits the right of representation “only on the basis of evidence adduced during such enquiry”. This cannot be one-sided restriction and pre-supposes that the penalty is proposed only on the basis of the charges inquired into, without any additional factors being taken into consideration. Accordingly if past bad record is proposed to be taken into account in determining the penalty to be imposed, it should be made subject matter of a specific charge in the charge-sheet itself. If it is not so done, it cannot be relied upon after the disciplinary authorities, and/or at the time of imposition of penalty.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 134/20/68-AVD dated 28.08.1968]
15. Action against Government servants to be taken if they are later found ineligible or unqualified for their initial recruitment
15.1 A question has arisen as to whether a Government servant can be discharged from service where it is discovered later that the Government servant was not qualified or eligible for his initial recruitment in service. The Supreme Court in its judgement in the District Collector, Vizianagram vs. M. Tripura Sundari Devi (1990 (4) SLR 237 went into this issue and observed as under:-
“It must further be realized by all concerned that when an advertisement mentions a particular qualification and an appointment is made in between the appointing authority and the appointee concerned. The aggrieved are all those who had similar or better qualifications than the appointee or appointees but who had not applied for the post because they did not possess the qualifications mentioned in the advertisement. It amounts to a fraud on public to appoint a person with inferior qualifications in such circumstances unless it is clearly stated that the qualifications are relaxable. No Court should be a party to the perpetuation of the fraudulent practice.”
It has been decided that wherever it is found that a Government servants who was not qualified or eligible in terms of the recruitment rules etc, for initial recruitment in service or had furnished false information or produced a false certificate in order to secure appointment, he should not be retained in service. If he is a probationer or a temporary Govt. servant, he should be discharged or his services should be terminated. If he has become a permanent Govt. servant, an inquiry as prescribed in Rule 14 of CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 may be hold and if he charges are proved, the Government servant should be removed or dismissed from service. In no circumstances should any other penalty be imposed.
[Para 2 of the OM No. 11012/7/91-Estt.(A) dated 19.05.1993]
15.2 Such discharge, termination, removal or dismissal from service would, however, be without prejudice to the right of the Government to prosecute such Government servants.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 11012/7/91-Estt.(A) dated 19.05.1993]
16. Disciplinary action against the office bearers of the Staff Association/ Union etc.
16.1 Rule 24(3) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965:
(3) A Government servant may prefer an appeal against an order imposing any of the penalties specified in rule 11 to the President, where no such appeal lies to him under sub-rule (1) or sub-rule (2), if such penalty is imposed by any authority other than the President, on such Government servant in respect of his activities connected with his work as an office-bearer of an association, federation or union, participating in the Joint Consultation and Compulsory Arbitration Scheme.
[Rule 24(3) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]
16.2 Rule 24(3) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 provides that an appeal against an order imposing any of the penalties specified in rule 11 of the said Rules lies to the President, where no such appeal lies to him under sub-rule (1) and (2) of rule 24, if such penalty is imposed by any authority other than the President, on such Government servant in respect of his activities connected with his work as an office-bearer of an association or union participating in the Joint Consultation and Compulsory Arbitration Scheme. It is clarified that all appeal to the President under this provision should be placed before the Minister-in-charge for final orders, irrespective of whether the general directions in various Ministries, relating to the disposal of appeal addressed to the President require such submission or not.
[OM No. 7/4/64-Ests.(A) dated 18.04.1967]
16.3 The Government servants who are office bearers of the Staff Associations are subject to the provisions of Conduct and Disciplinary Rules like all other Government servants. However, if a Government feels that he is being penalized for any act done by him which is directly or indirectly connected with his position as an office bearer of an association, he can prefer an appeal against such action directly to the President in terms of Rule24(3) of the CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 bringing forth the reasons which may establish the nexus between the disciplinary action taken against him and his activities as office bearer of an association. If the contention of an officer bearer of an association that his case is covered under the provisions of Rule 24(3) ibid is not accepted and his appeal is decided by some lower appellate authority concerned to seek revision of his case by the President in terms of Rule 29 ibid.
[OM No. 35014/2/89-Ests.(A) dated 10.10.1990]
17 President’s power of review under Rule 29 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965
17.1 This Department, vide Notification No. 11012/1/80-Ests(A) dated the 6th August, 1981 amended Rule 29 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 and introduced Rule 29-A therein. The amendment was necessitated by the judgement of the Delhi High Court in the case of Shri R.K. Gupta Vs. Union of India and another (Civil Writ Petition No.196 of 1978 and 322 of 1979) in which the High Court held that under Rule 29 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965-
(i) The President has power to review any order under the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 including an order of exoneration, and
(ii) The aforesaid power of review is in the nature of revisionary power and not in the nature of reviewing one’s own order.
17.2 The matter was examined in consultation with the Ministry of Law who had observed that the judgement of the Delhi High Court would indicate that the President cannot exercise his revisionary powers in a case in which the power had already been exercised after full consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case. There is, however, no objection to providing for a review by the President of an order passed by him earlier in revision if some new fact or material having the nature of changing the entire complexion of the case comes to his notice later. Accordingly, Rule 29 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 has been amended to make it clear that the power available under that rule is the power of revision and a new rule, Rule 29-A, has been introduced specifying the powers of the President to make a review of any order passed earlier, including an order passed in revision under Rule 29, when any new fact or material which has the effect of changing the nature of the case comes to his notice. It may also be noted while the President and other authorities enumerated in Rule 29 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, exercise the power of revision under that rule, the power of review, under Rule 29-A is vested in the President only and not in any other authority. With the amendment of Rule 29 and the introduction of Rule 29-A, the heading of Part VIII of the CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 has also been appropriately changed as “Revision and Review”.
[OM No. 11012/1/80-Ests(A) dated 03.09.1981]
18. Imposition of penalty by lower disciplinary authority if the proceeding was initiated by a higher disciplinary authority:
When proceedings are instituted by a “higher disciplinary authority”, final orders should also be passed by such “higher disciplinary authority” and the case should not be remitted to lower disciplinary authority on the ground that on merit of the case it is sufficient to impose a minor penalty and such minor penalty could be imposed by a lower disciplinary authority. In such cases the appeal against the punishment order of the “higher disciplinary authority” shall lie to the authority prescribed under the CCS (CCA) Rules as the appellate authority in respect of such order.
[Para 1(3) of the OM No. 6/26/60-Ests.(A) dated 08.06.1962]
19. Closing of disciplinary cases in the event of death of charged official
Where a Government servant dies during the pendency of the inquiry i.e. without charges being proved against him, imposition of any of the penalties prescribed under the CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965, would not be justifiable. Therefore, disciplinary proceedings should be closed immediately on the death of the alleged Government servant.
[OM No. 11012/7/99-Estt.(A) dated 20.10.1999]
20. ISTM publication – Handbook for Inquiry Officer & Disciplinary Authorities:
20.1 Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in WP (C) No. 3510/2013 in the matter of Shri K.K.S. Sirohi & Ors V/s UoI observed that:
“19. Copy of this order be sent to Secretary DOPT who is requested to ensure that such Government officials who are appointed as Inquiry Officers be made aware of the procedures of law to be followed so that in future the painful situation as we find in the instant case does not re-occur.”
The said judgement is available on the website of Delhi High Court.
20.2 The above directions may kindly be brought to the notice of all Inquiry Officers presently engaged by the Ministry/Department so that the procedure of law are duly followed, both in letter and spirit. In this regard, attention is also invited to the recently released ISTM publication-‘Handbook for Inquiry Officers & Disciplinary Authorities’ which can be used as a reference guide in such matters. The Handbook may be accessed under on this Department’s website: https://dopt.gov.in/reports/hand-book/hand-book-inquiry-officers-and-disciplinary-authorities-2013. Handbook for Inquiry Officers and Disciplinary Authorities
[OM No. 11012/16/2013-Estt.A dated 15.01.2014]
21. Sharing of advice of UPSC with the Charged Officer:
21.1 Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgment, on 16.03.2011, while dismissing the Civil Appeal No. 5341 of 2006 in the matter of Union of India & Ors. vs S. K. Kapoor, held that it is a settled principle of natural justice that if any material is to be relied upon in departmental proceedings, a copy of the same must be supplied in advance to the charge sheeted employee so that he may have a chance to rebut the same. In compliance of the judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court in S.K. Kapoor case, provisions regarding supplying a copy of the advice of UPSC, in all cases where the Commission is consulted, to the Charged Officer were incorporated by amending the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 vide G.S.R. No. 769(E) dated 31.10.2014.
21.2 In brief, in the disciplinary cases, where the UPSC are to be consulted, the following procedure should be adopted:
(a) The Disciplinary Authority shall forward or cause to be forwarded to UPSC for its advice:
(i) a copy of the report of the Inquiring Authority together with its own tentative reasons for disagreement, if any, with the findings of Inquiring Authority on any article of charge; and
(ii) comments on the representation of the Government servant on the Inquiry report and disagreement note, if any, with all the case records of the inquiry proceedings.
(b) On receipt of the UPSC advice, the Disciplinary Authority shall forward or cause to be forwarded a copy of the advice to the Government servant who shall be required to submit, if he so desires, his written representation/submission to the Disciplinary Authority within fifteen days. The Disciplinary Authority shall consider such representation and take action as prescribed in sub-rule (4), (5) and (6) of the Rule 15 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965.
[Para 4 of the OM No. 11012/8/2011-Estt.(A) dated 19.11.2014]
21.3 Similarly, in matters relating to Appeal/ Revision/ Review, a copy of the UPSC advice, if consulted, may be supplied to the Government servant and his representation, if any, thereon may be considered by the Appellate/ Revisionary/ Reviewing Authority before passing final order.
[Para 5 of the OM No. 11012/8/2011-Estt.(A) dated 19.11.2014]
21.4 Cases decided before the date of this judgement, i.e., 16th March, 2011 need not be reopened. In cases decided after 16th March, 2011, where a penalty was imposed after relying upon the advice of UPSC, but where a copy of such advice was not given to the Charged Officer before the decision, the penalty may be set aside and inquiry taken up from the stage of supply of copy of the advice of UPSC.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 11012/05/2015-Estt.(A-III) dated 14.07.2016]
21.5 In cases where a penalty of dismissal, removal or compulsory retirement has been imposed, the Charged Officer, if he has not reached the age of superannuation, shall be deemed to be under suspension from the date of original penalty as per rule 10(4) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965.
[Para 4 of the OM No. 11012/05/2015-Estt.(A-III) dated 14.07.2016]
21.6 Cases where the Government servant has retired shall be dealt with as per rule 69 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now Rule 8 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021). In the cases of any other penalties, only the penalty will be set aside, but no consequential benefits like arrears of pay shall be allowed. This will be decided by the Competent Authority after conclusion of the further inquiry. Similarly, in a case where a penalty of recovery has been imposed, if the recovery is being made in installments, the recovery shall be suspended pending finalization of further inquiry. No refund of recovery already effected will be made. Whether the money already recovered has been refunded will depend on the decision of the Disciplinary Authority. Where a penalty of withholding of increments has been imposed, if a withheld increment has become due, the same may be released. There is no question of release of any arrears till finalization of the proceedings.
[Para 5 of the OM No. 11012/05/2015-Estt.(A-III) dated 14.07.2016]
22. Signing of Charge Sheet/ Penalty order
22.1 Instances have also come to notice where, though the decisions in disciplinary/appellate cases were taken by the competent disciplinary/appellate authorities in the files, the final orders were not issued by that authority but only by a lower authority. As mentioned above, the disciplinary/appellate/reviewing authorities exercise quasi-judicial powers and as such, they cannot delegate their powers to their subordinates. It is, therefore, essential that the decision taken by such authorities are communicated by the competent authority under their own signatures, and the order so issued should comply with the legal requirements as indicated in the preceding paragraphs. It is only in these cases where the President is the prescribed disciplinary/appellate/reviewing authority and where the Minister concerned has considered the case and given his orders that an order may be authenticated by an officer, who has been authorised to authenticate orders in the name of the President.
[Para 3 of the OM No. 134/1/81-AVD-I dated 13.07.1981]
22.2 Signature on the charge sheet:
(a) If the President is the DA – An officer authorized under Article 77(2) of the Constitution to authenticate the order on behalf of President.
(b) In cases where the DA other than the President – DA itself to sign the charge sheet.
[OM No 43020/14/2021-Estt.A-III dated 08.11.2021]
23 Time line for conducting disciplinary inquires
23.1 Crucial Time Limits at various stages of Inquiry
| S. No. | What is the time limit for charged officer to submit his written statement of defence on charge sheet? | It is 15 days, which can be further extended by a period not exceeding 15 days at a time for reasons to be recorded in writing by the Disciplinary Authority or any other authority authorized by the Disciplinary Authority on his behalf. The overall limit for filing of reply should not be extended beyond 45 days from the receipt of the articles of charge by the charged officer. [Sub Rule 4 in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965] |
| 1. | What is the time limit for producing requisite documents claimed by charged officer during? | Sub rule (13) in Rule 14 provides for producing the documents or issue of non-availability certificate within a period of one month of the receipt of such requisition. |
| 2. | What is the time period for the Presenting Officer to produce the evidence by which he proposes to prove the articles of charge if the Government Servant fails to appear within the specified time or refuses or omits to plead? | It is 30 days. [Sub rule (11) in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965] |
| 3. | What is the time period for inspecting the documents produced by Presenting Officer for the purpose of preparing his defence? | Within five days of the order passed by Inquiring Authority, which can be further extended not exceeding 5 days. [Sub rule (11) (i) in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965] |
| 4. | What is the notice period for production of any documents, which are in possession of Government but not mentioned in the list of documents served with the charge sheet but a request in this regard is made by the Charged Officer? | The Inquiring Authority can allow a time of 10 days for the purpose, which can further be extended by not exceeding 10 days. [Sub rule (11) (iii) in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965] |
| 5. | What is the time limit provided for adjournment before close of the case for Presenting Officer to produce evidences not included in the list given to Charged officer or Inquiring Authority himself call for new evidence or recall and reexamine any witness? | Such adjournment is done for 3 clear days excluding the day of adjournment and the day to which the inquiry is adjourned. [Sub rule 15 in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965] |
| 6. | What is the time limit for completing the inquiry and submit report by Inquiring Authority? | In terms of notification No G.S.R. 548 (E) dated 02.06.2017, the Inquiring Authority should conclude the inquiry and submit his report within 6 months from the date of receipt of order of his appointment. An additional time not exceeding six months for completing the inquiry can be allowed at a time on the basis of sufficient and good reasons, to be recorded in writing by Disciplinary Authority. [Sub rule (24) in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965] |
| 7. | Whether time limit of 6 months decided vide notification dated 02.06.2017 is also applicable to cases where Inquiring Authority was appointed prior to the 02.06.2017? | Yes. Ideally such cases should have been completed, as per the time limit prescribed in the said notification, if those cases are still pending, the period of six months for completing the inquiry can be reckoned w.e.f. 02.06.2017 and extension should be sought, if required. |
| 8. | What is the time limit for furnishing written representation by charged officer on the advice of UPSC? | It is 15 days from the receipt of the copy of advice of UPSC by the charged officer. [Sub rule (3)(b) in Rule 15 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965] |
| 9. | What is the time limit for sending proposal to CVC for first stage advice? | If vigilance angle is involved in any complaint, this case should be referred to CVC for their 1st stage advice within one month of the receipt of investigation report. If vigilance angle is not involved, the case should be put up to disciplinary authority for taking a decision to initiate disciplinary action under CCS (CCA) Rules within one month from the date of receipt of investigation report. [DoP&T’s O.M. No. 425/04/2012-AVD-IV(A) dated 29.11.2012] |
| 10. | What is the time limit to put up the case to Disciplinary Authority after receipt of first stage advice of CVC for taking a decision to initiate disciplinary proceeding? | Within one month of the receipt of first stage advice of CVC. [DoP&T’s O.M. No. 425/04/2012-AVD-IV(A) dated 29.11.2012] |
| 11. | What is the time limit to issue a charge sheet to Charged Officer once a decision is taken by Disciplinary Authority to initiate disciplinary proceeding? | The charge sheet should be issued to Charged Officer within a week from the date of receipt of the decision of Disciplinary Authority. [DoP&T’s O.M. No. 425/04/2012-AVD-IV(A) dated 29.11.2012] |
| 12. | What is the time limit for seeking representation of Charged Officer on inquiry report and disagreement of Disciplinary Authority, if any on it? | The Charged Officer may be allowed 15 days to submit, if he so desires, his written representation or submission to the Disciplinary authority. |
| 13. | What is the time limit for seeking second stage advice of CVC, if required or to UPSC for their advice? | It should be sent to CVC or UPSC within one month from the date of receipt of representation of Charged Officer on Inquiry Report. (CVC’s circular No. 000/VGL/18 dated 23.05.2000) |
| 14. | What is the time limit for concluding major penalty proceeding? | It should be completed within 18 months from the date of issue of the charge sheet to Charged Officer. [DoP&T’s O.M. No. 372/3/2007-AVD-III (Vol.10) dated 14.10.2013] |
[OM .No. 11012/09/2016-Estt A-III dated 08.12.2017]
23.2 Both in the public interest as well as in the interest of employees no avoidable delay should occur in the disposal of disciplinary cases, it is necessary that sufficient time is available to the disciplinary authority to apply its mind to all relevant facts which are brought out in the inquiry before forming an opinion about the imposition of a penalty, if any, on the Government servant. while therefore it has to be ensured that fixing of any time-limit on the disposal of the inquiry report by the disciplinary authority by making a provision in this regard in the C.C.S (C.C.A.) Rules should not lead to any perfunctory disposal of such cases, taking all relevant factors into consideration it is felt that in cases which do not require consultation with the C.V.C. or the U.P.S.C., it should normally be possible for the disciplinary authority to take a final decision on the inquiry report within a period of three months at the most. In cases where the disciplinary authority feels that it is not possible to adhere to this time-limit, a report may be submitted by him to the next higher authority indicating the additional period within which the case is likely to be disposed of and the reasons for the same. In cases requiring consultation with the C.V.C. and the U.P.S.C also, every effort should be made to ensure that such cases are disposed of as quickly as possible.
[OM No. 39/43/70-Ests(A) dated 08.01.1971]
23.3 Though no specific time limit has been prescribed in the above OM No. 39/43/70-Ests(A) dated 08.01.1971 in respect of cases where consultation with CVC and UPSC is required. It is imperative that the time limit of three months prescribed for other cases should be adhered to in such cases after receipt of the advice of the UPSC. All Ministries/Departments are, therefore, requested to dispose of disciplinary cases as quickly as possible within the time limit indicated above.
[OM No. 11012/21/98-Estt.(A) dated 11.11.1998]
23.4 Time-limit for the disposal of appeals:
(i) The appellate authorities are expected to give a high priority to the disposal of appeals, there might be cases in which the hands of the appellate authority are too full and it may not be able to devote the time and attention required for the disposal of appeals within a short period. In such case the appellate authority can be relieved of his normal work to such an extent as would be necessary to enable him to devote the required time and attention to the disposal of the appeals pending before him by redistribution of that work amongst other officers. If, however, the number of appeals received or pending with any particular appellate authority is very large, the appellate work itself could be re-distributed as far as possible among a number of officers of equivalent rank and in any case not below the rank of the appellate authority through a general order issued in exercise of the powers under rule 24 of the CCS (CCA) Rule, 1965.
(ii) As regards prescribing procedure for review of the position regarding pending appeals, it has been decided that, apart from the provisions laid down in the Manual of office procedure whereby cases pending disposal for over a month are reviewed by the appropriate higher authorities, a separate detailed statement of appeals pending disposal for over a month should be submitted by the appellate authority to the next higher authority indicting particularly the reasons on account of which the appeals could not be disposed of within a month and the further time likely to be taken for disposal of each such appeal, along with the reasons therefor. This would enable the appropriate higher authority to go into the reasons for the delay in the disposal of appeals pending for more than a month, and take remedial steps wherever necessary to have the pending appeals disposed of without further delay. In cases where the appellate authority is the President under rule 24 of the C.C.S. (C.C.A.) Rules, 1965, the aforesaid statement should be submitted to the Secretary of the Ministry/Department concerned for similar scrutiny.
[OM No. 39/42/70-Ests.(A) dated 15.05.1971]
23.5 Flow chart prescribing the steps involved in the disciplinary cases for better understanding of Rules in their application by the DAs is at Annexure.
[OM No 43020/14/2021-Estt.A-III dated 08.11.2021]
24 In case any reference to the relevant OM is required, the same may be accessed by clicking on the hyperlink of the OMs. List of the OMs mentioned in this document are as under:
| S.No. | OM NO. | Date | Subject |
| 1. | 04.10.1952 | Departmental Proceedings against Government Servants – Steps for expeditious and better disposal of – nomination of specified officers in the Ministries/Deptts. to be in charge of all disciplinary inquiries in the Ministry/Department. | |
| 2. | 16.02.1961 | Recommendations of the Pay Commission regarding disciplinary proceedings – Decisions on the | |
| 3. | 25.08.1961 | Supply of copies of documents to the delinquent official. | |
| 4. | 08.06.1962 | CCS(CCA) Rules, 1967 – Rule 15 – Clarification regarding submission of written statement of defence, approval of the assisting employee by the disciplinary authority, scope of functions of the assisting employees; and the authority competent to impose minor penalties. | |
| 5. | 21.02.1967 | Recommendation of the Joint Conference of Central Bureau of Investigation and State Anti-Corruption Officers for making a provision in the rules of public sector undertakings to take disciplinary action for acts done by their employees in their previous or earlier employment. | |
| 6. | 18.04.1967 | Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965-Appeal in the case of a disciplinary order against an officer bearer of an association or union in respect of activities as such office bearer-Disposal of. | |
| 7. | 14.05.1968 | Review of disciplinary proceedings against Government servants – Procedure to be followed while proposing enhancement of the penalty already imposed on a Government servant. | |
| 8. | 28.08.1968 | Disciplinary proceedings- Consideration of past bad record for purpose of imposition of penalty. | |
| 9. | 24.09.1970 | Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, – Provision for re-cross-examination in the disciplinary proceedings. | |
| 10. | 06.01.1971 | Departmental proceedings against Government servants – steps for expeditious and better disposal of nomination of Specified officers in the Ministries/Departments to be in charge of all disciplinary inquiries in the Ministry/Department. | |
| 11. | 08.01.1971 | Elimination of delays in the disposal of disciplinary cases – time – limit for passing final orders on the inquiry report. | |
| 12. | 15.05.1971 | Rule 27 of the C.C.S. (C.C.A) Rules, 1965 – question of fixing a time-limit for the disposal of appeals. | |
| 13. | 09.11.1972 | Departmental Inquiries against Government servants – appointment of Inquiring Authority. | |
| 14. | 13.12.1972 | Disciplinary proceedings – appointment of Inquiry Officers. | |
| 15. | 01.06.1976 | Admissibility during oral inquiry, of statements made by the delinquent officers and the witnesses at the stage of preliminary inquiry/investigation. | |
| 16. | | 29.07.1976 | Inquiry by the disciplinary authority – Item raised in the meeting of the National Council (JCM) held in Nov., 1975. |
| 17. | 06.10.1976 | CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 – Recourse to ex-parte proceedings under Rule 14(20) – clarification regarding. | |
| 18. | 02.09.1978 | CCS (CCA) Rules 1965 – procedure to be followed under rule 14(19) thereof. | |
| 19. | 13.07.1981 | Disciplinary cases need for issuing speaking orders by competent authorities. | |
| 20. | 03.09.1981 | Rule 29 of the CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965- President’s power of review under Rule 29- Judgement of Delhi High Court in the case of Shri R.K. Gupta, Development Officer, D. | |
| 21. | 23.07.1984 | CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 – Rule 14(8)(a) – Request of a delinquent official for permission to engage a Legal Practitioner to defend his case before the Inquiry Officer. | |
| 22. | 28.10.1985 | Rule 16(1) Holding of inquiry in specific circumstances-Recommendations of Committee of National Council (JCM) | |
| 23. | 28.10.1985 | Rule 27 (2) of CCS(CCA) Rules,1965 – Personal hearing in case of major penalties – Recommendations of the National Council (JCM) | |
| 24. | 29.04.1986 | Removal of restriction on engaging Defence Assistant – Rule 14(8) of CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 – recommendation of National Council (JCM) | |
| 25. | 24.12.1986 | Procedure to be followed in cases where disciplinary proceedings are initiated against a Government servant who is officiating in a higher post on an ad-hoc basis. | |
| 26. | 10.10.1990 | Disciplinary action against the office bearers of the Staff Associations/Unions etc. | |
| 27. | 19.05.1993 | Action against Government servants to be taken if they are later found ineligible or unqualified for their initial recruitment. | |
| 28. | 11.11.1998 | Delays in passing orders by the Disciplinary Authorities. | |
| 29. | 20.10.1999 | CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 – Procedure regarding closing of disciplinary cases in the event of death of the charged official. | |
| 30. | 05.02.2003 | CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 – retired Government servants appearing as Defence Assistants – conditions reg. | |
| 31. | 15.01.2014 | Directions of Hon’ble High Court, New Delhi in WP (C) No.3510/2013 in the matter of Sh. K.K.S, Sirohi and Ors. vs. UOI- regarding.. | |
| 32. | 18.02.2015 | Importance of following the due process in disciplinary proceedings-regarding. | |
| 33. | 08.12.2017 | Frequently Asked Questions on timeline for completing Disciplinary proceeding in time bound manner under CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965. | |
| 34. | 08.11.2021 | Aid to processing of departmental proceedings under the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 – Simplification regarding. |
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