Discipline Rules

The President made the rules in the exercise of powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 and Clause (5) of Article 148.

General (Part 1)

Short Title and Commencement (Rule 1)

These Rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965. They shall come into force on the 1st December 1965.

Interpretation (Rule 2)

Appointing Authority

The highest authority among:

1. authority empowered to appoint to the service or grade of the government servant; or
2. authority empowered to appoint to the post the government servant holds; or
3. authority that originally appointed the government servant to the service, grade or post; or
4. authority that appointed the government servant in cases of continuous employment, if they were a permanent member of another service or post.

Cadre Authority

in relation to a Service, has the same meaning as in the rules regulating that service.

Central Civil Service and Central Civil Post

Includes corresponding group services and civilian posts in the defence services.

Commission

Refers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Defence Services

Services under the Ministry of Defence (not subject to Army, Navy, or Air Force Acts) and paid from Defence Service Estimates.

Department of the Government of India

An establishment or organisation declared by the President via notification as a department of the government of India.

Disciplinary Authority

Authority competent to impose penalties specified under Rule 11.

Government Servant

Any person who:

1. holds a civil post under the Union or State government and includes any person in foreign service or whose services are temporarily placed at the disposal of the Central, State government, a local or other authority.
2. is a member of a service or holds a civil post under a State government and whose services are temporarily placed at the disposal of the central government;
3. is in the service of a local or other authority and whose services are temporarily placed at the disposal of the Central government.

Head of the Department

Authority defined as head under Fundamental and Supplementary Rules or Civil Service Regulations.

Head of the Office

Authority defined as head under the General Financial Rules.

Schedule

Refers to the Schedule appended to these rules.

Secretary

Includes Secretary, Special Secretary, Additional Secretary, and other designations based on specific Secretariats (e.g., Cabinet, President’s, Prime Minister’s).

Service

Defined as a civil service of the Union.

Application (Rule 3)

These rules shall apply to every government servant including every civilian government servant in the Defence services, but shall not apply to:

1. any railway servant except to every government servant temporarily transferred to a Service or Post;
2. any member of the All India Services;
3. any person in casual employment;
4. any person subject to discharge from service on less than one month’s notice; and
5. any person for whom special provision is made, in respect of matters covered by these rules.

The President may, by order, exclude any group of government servants from the operation of all or any of these rules. In case of any doubt regarding the application of these rules, the matter shall be referred to the President.

Classification (Part 2)

Classification of Services (Rule 4)

The civil services of the union shall be classified as:

1. Central Civil Services, Group A;
2. Central Civil Services, Group B; and
3. Central Civil Services, Group C.

If a service consists of more than one grade, different grades of such service may be included in different groups.

Note

Posts are grouped into distinct homogenous cadres under a common Service named on the basis of specific functions attached to the posts in question. For instance a Group A Service represents a group of posts belonging to a distinct functional area arranged in a hierarchical order representing different grades or levels of responsibility.

The hierarchical arrangement of posts alongwith the pay scales attached to different grades constitutes a Cadre and the arrangement itself is known as a Cadre Structure.

Constitution of Central Civil Services (Rule 5)

The Central Civil Services, Group A, Group B and Group C shall consist of the services and grades of services specified in the Schedule.

Classification of Posts (Rule 6)

Civil Posts under the Union be classified as follows:

Group	Description
A	A Central Civil Post carrying the pay in the Pay Matrix at the Level from 10 to 18.
B	A Central Civil Post carrying the pay in the Pay Matrix at the Level from 6 to 9.
C	A Central Civil Post carrying the pay in the Pay Matrix at the Level from 1 to 5.

General Central Service (Rule 7)

Central Civil posts not part of any specific Central Civil Service are considered part of the General Central Service of their group. A government servant in such a post is regarded as a member of that Service, unless already a member of another Central Civil Service in the same group.

Appointing Authority (Part 3)

Appointments to Group A Services and Posts (Rule 8)

Appointments to Group A services and posts are made by the President, who may delegate this authority under specific conditions.

Appointments to Other Services and Posts (Rule 9)

Appointments to Group B, and C services and posts are made by designated authorities or officers. For the General Central Service, appointments are by authorities specified by the President or listed in the Schedule.

Suspension (Part 4)

Suspension (Rule 10)

1. It is not a penalty and is used as an administrative intervention to keep away an employee to whom any charge sheet or any disciplinary proceedings are pending. This is to ensure they can neither tamper with the documents nor influence the inquiry authorities/witness.
2. The default period of suspension is 90 days and must be reviewed within 90 days. Extension of suspension shall not be for a period exceeding 180 days.
3. A government servant under suspension is not paid any pay but is allowed a Subsistence Allowance at an amount equivalent to the leave salary which the government servant would have drawn if he had been on leave on half average pay or half pay and in addition, dearness allowance, if admissible on the basis of such leave salary.

Deductions During Suspension

Type	Deductions
Compulsory Deductions	Income Tax, CGEGIS, CGHS, House rent, Electricity and water charges, Repayment of loans & Advances to government
Optional Deductions	PLI, Cooperative societies instalments & Recoveries of the GPF advance taken
Deductions Should Not be Made	GPF, Court attachments & Loss to government

Deemed Suspension

1. with effect from the date of his detention if he is detained in custody, whether on a criminal charge or otherwise, for a period exceeding forty-eight hours.
2. In the case of a deemed suspension, the reviewing of the case within 90 days is not mandatory.

Penalties and Disciplinary Authorities (Part 5)

Penalties (Rule 11)

Minor Penalties

1. Censure

2. Withholding of promotion

3. Recovery from pay

4. Reduction to a lower stage of pay only by one stage and for a period not exceeding three years. If the increments are also withheld (with a non-cumulative effect), this is treated as a minor penalty.

Major Penalties

5. Reduction to a lower stage of pay in the time scale of pay for a specific period with further directions on increments.

6. Reduction to a lower time scale of pay, grade, post or service.

7. Compulsory retirement.

8. Removal from service.

9. Dismissal from service.

Note

Clause 8 Removal from service does not have any effect on seeking future employment.

Disciplinary Authorities (Rule 12)

1. The President has the authority to impose disciplinary penalties on government servants as outlined in Rule 11.

2. Penalties can also be imposed by appointing authorities or specified authorities in the schedule, or others empowered by the President’s order.

3. For members of Central Civil Services Group C, penalties can be imposed by the Secretary to the government of India or the head of the office where the individual serves, with certain restrictions.

   Notably, penalties in clauses (5) to (9) of Rule 11 cannot be imposed by authorities lower than the appointing authority. In cases of temporary appointments to other services or posts, consultation with the competent authority is required before imposing certain penalties.

   Additionally, government servants promoted on probation or temporarily to a higher group are considered to belong to that higher group for the purposes of disciplinary actions.

Authority to Institute Proceedings (Rule 13)

1. The President or any other authority empowered by him may institute or direct disciplinary proceedings against any government servant.

2. A disciplinary authority that is authorised to impose any of the penalties listed in clauses (1) to (4) of rule 11 is allowed to initiate disciplinary proceedings against any government servant, even if he is typically not competent under these rules to impose any penalties specified in clauses (5) to (9) of rule 11.

Procedure for Imposing Penalties (Part 6)

Procedure for Imposing Major Penalties (Rule 14)

Explanation

1. Inquiry Authority (IA) to be appointed by the disciplinary authority to inquire about the charges. Retired Govt. servants appointed as IO should not be more than 70 years of age as of 01-07 of the year of enplanement. Retired GS should submit the IO report within 6 months from the date of appointment as IO to become eligible for payment of remuneration/honorarium.

2. Presenting Officer (PO) to be appointed by the disciplinary authority.

3. Defence Assistant (DA) not to be a legal practitioner unless the presenting officer is a legal practitioner.

4. Daily Order Sheet (DO Sheet) Daily order sheet is the record of the progress of the case handled by the inquiry officer during the day. It is prepared and maintained by the IO.

1. No order imposing any of the penalties specified in clauses (5) to (9) of rule 11 shall be made after an inquiry in the manner provided in this rule, rule 15 or in the Public servants (Inquiries) Act, 1850.

2. Disciplinary authority may inquire or appoint an authority under this rule or the Public servants (Inquiries) Act, 1850 upon misconduct suspicion. For sexual harassment complaints, the established Complaints Committee acts as the inquiring authority.

   Note

   If the disciplinary authority conducts the investigation, any reference to sub-rule (7) to sub-rule (20) and in sub-rule (22) should be understood as a reference to the disciplinary authority.

   When the disciplinary authority appoints a retired government employee as the inquiring authority, any reference to sub-rule (7) to sub-rule (20) and in sub-rule (22) should include this authority.

3. When it is proposed to conduct an inquiry against a government servant under this rule and rule 15, the disciplinary authority must prepare or cause to be prepared:

   1. the specific accusations of misconduct or misbehaviour as distinct charges;
   2. a statement of the accusations of misconduct or misbehaviour supporting each charge, which should include:
      1. a statement of all relevant facts, including any admission or confession made by the government servant; and
      2. a list of documents and witnesses intended to support the charges.

4. The disciplinary authority will provide the government servant with:

   1. a copy of the articles of charge;
   2. a statement of the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour; and
   3. a list of documents and witnesses supporting each charge.

   Upon receiving the articles of charge, the government servant must:

   1. submit a written statement of defence if desired; and
   2. indicate if he wishes to be heard in person.

   This response must be provided within 15 days, with the possibility of extensions not exceeding 15 days each, for valid reasons documented in writing by the disciplinary authority or an authorised authority. The total extension period for submitting the written statement of defence cannot exceed 45 days from the date the articles of charge were received.

5. Upon receiving the written statement of defence, the disciplinary authority may investigate the charges that have not been admitted. If necessary, it can appoint an inquiring authority for this purpose. If all charges have been admitted by the government servant in their written statement of defence, the disciplinary authority will record its findings on each charge after gathering evidence and proceed according to rule 15.

   If no written statement of defence is submitted by the government servant, the disciplinary authority may investigate the charges itself or appoint an inquiring authority for the purpose.

   When the disciplinary authority investigates a charge or appoints an inquiring authority to do so, it may appoint a government servant or a legal practitioner as the presenting officer to present the case on its behalf in support of the charges.

6. The disciplinary authority shall, where it is not the inquiring authority, forward to the inquiring authority:

   1. a copy of the articles of charge and the statement of the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour;
   2. a copy of the written statement of the defence, if any, submitted by the government servant;
   3. a copy of the statements of witnesses, if any, referred to in sub-rule (3);
   4. evidence proving the delivery of the documents referred to in sub-rule (3) to the government servant; and
   5. a copy of the order appointing the presenting officer.

7. The government servant must personally appear before the inquiring authority within ten working days from receiving the charge and misconduct allegations, as specified by a written notice. The inquiring authority may extend this period by up to ten additional days.

8. The government servant may take the assistance of another government servant to present the case on his behalf, but cannot engage a legal practitioner unless permitted by the disciplinary authority. The government servant may also take the assistance of a retired government servant, subject to specified conditions.

   Note

   The government servant shall not seek help from another government servant who has three pending disciplinary cases to handle.

9. The inquiring authority must ask the government servant who has not admitted any of the articles of charge in his written statement of defence whether he is guilty or has any defence to make. If the servant pleads guilty to any of the articles of charge, the inquiring authority must record the plea, sign the record, and obtain the signature of the government servant.

10. The inquiring authority shall return a finding of guilt in respect of those articles of charge to which the government servant pleads guilty.

11. If a government servant fails to respond to charges, the inquiring authority will have the presenting officer present evidence to prove the charges and then adjourn the case for up to thirty days. During this period, the government servant is allowed to:

    1. inspect relevant documents within five days, extendable by another five days.
    2. submit a list of witnesses for their defence.
    3. request copies of witness statements at least three days before their examination begins.
    4. within ten days, extendable by another ten days, ask for any government-held documents not listed but relevant to their defence, explaining their relevance.

12. Upon receiving a notice for the discovery or production of documents, the inquiring authority must send it (or copies) to the custodian authority with a request to produce the documents by a specified date. However, the inquiring authority can refuse to request documents it deems irrelevant to the case, provided it records the reasons in writing.

13. Upon receiving a document requisition, the authority in possession must either produce the documents or issue a non-availability certificate to the inquiring authority within one month.

    However, if releasing the documents is deemed contrary to public interest or state security, the authority must record the reasons in writing, inform the inquiring authority, which will then notify the government servant and withdraw the requisition.

14. During the inquiry, evidence will be presented by the disciplinary authority to support the charges. Witnesses will be examined by the presenting officer and may be cross-examined by the government servant. The presenting officer can reexamine the witnesses on points of cross-examination with the permission of the inquiring authority, and the inquiring authority can also ask questions to the witnesses.

15. If necessary, the inquiring authority may allow the presenting officer to produce new evidence or recall witnesses. The government servant has the right to receive a copy of the new evidence list and request a three day adjournment before the evidence is presented.

    The government servant can also produce new evidence if the inquiring authority deems it necessary for justice. New evidence can only be called for to address inherent gaps or defects in the original evidence, not to fill in any gaps.

16. After the disciplinary authority closes the case, the government servant must present their defence, either orally or in writing. If orally, it’s recorded and signed by the servant. The presenting officer, if appointed, receives a copy of this defence statement.

17. The government servant can then produce evidence on their behalf, including self-examination and witness examination. Witnesses are subject to cross-examination, re-examination, and questioning by the inquiring authority.

18. The inquiring authority may question the government servant on any adverse evidence if they haven’t examined themselves, to allow for explanation of any incriminating circumstances.

19. Post evidence production, the inquiring authority can hear from the presenting officer and the government servant, or allow them to submit written briefs of their cases.

20. If the government servant fails to submit their written defence by the specified date, doesn’t appear in person, or doesn’t comply with these rules, the inquiring authority may conduct the inquiry ex parte.

21. If the disciplinary authority, after inquiry, believes the penalties mentioned at clauses (5) to (9) of rule 11 are to be imposed, it must forward the inquiry records to a higher authority allowed to impose such penalties.

    The higher authority can use the existing inquiry records or reexamine witnesses if needed, and impose appropriate penalties.

22. If an inquiry authority changes mid-investigation, the new authority can use the evidence collected by its predecessor. It can also reexamine witnesses if it deems necessary for justice.

23. After the conclusion of the inquiry, a report shall be prepared and it shall contain:

    1. the articles of charge and the statement of the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour;
    2. the defence of the government servant in respect of each article of charge;
    3. an assessment of the evidence in respect of each article of charge; and
    4. the findings on each article of charge and the reasons therefor.

    The inquiring authority, where it is not itself the disciplinary authority, shall forward to the disciplinary authority the records of inquiry which shall include :

24. the report prepared by it under clause (i);

25. the written statement of defence, if any, submitted by the government servant;

26. the oral and documentary evidence produced in the course of the inquiry;

27. written briefs, if any, filed by the presenting officer or the government servant or both during the course of the inquiry; and

28. the orders, if any, made by the disciplinary authority and the inquiring authority in regard to the inquiry..

29. The inquiring authority should conclude the inquiry and submit the report within six months from their appointment date. If unable to meet this deadline, the authority must document the reasons and request an extension from the disciplinary authority, which can grant up to six more months. Extensions beyond six months require documented, valid reasons by the disciplinary authority or an authorised authority.

Action on Inquiry Report (Rule 15)

1. The disciplinary authority, if not the inquiring authority, may return the case for further inquiry, documenting reasons in writing. The inquiring authority must then continue the inquiry as per Rule 14.
2. The disciplinary authority must provide a copy of the inquiry report to the government servant, who has 15 days to submit a written response, regardless of the report’s favorability to the government servant.
3. For necessary consultation with the Commission, the disciplinary authority sends a copy of the inquiry report, any disagreements, the government servant’s comments, and all inquiry records. The government servant must respond within 15 days to the Commission’s advice forwarded by the disciplinary authority.
4. The disciplinary authority reviews any government servant’s representation before proceeding as outlined in sub-rules (5) and (6).
5. Based on findings, if the disciplinary authority believes penalties specified in clauses (1) to (5) of rule 11 should be applied, it may do so without adhering to rule 16.
6. If penalties specified in clauses (5) to (9) of rule 11 are deemed appropriate based on inquiry findings and evidence, the disciplinary authority can impose such penalties without needing the government servant’s representation on the proposed penalty.

Procedure for Imposing Minor Penalties (Rule 16)

1. Penalties should not be imposed unless the following steps are taken:

   1. the government servant must be informed in writing about the action being considered against them, including the reasons.

   2. an inquiry must be conducted if deemed necessary by the disciplinary authority.

   3. the government servant’s response and the inquiry’s findings must be considered.

   4. the disciplinary authority must consult with the Commission when needed and share the Commission’s advice with the government servant, who has 15 days to respond to disciplinary authority.

   5. recording a finding on each misconduct or misbehaviour..

      Before penalising a government servant through pay increment withholdings that affect their pension or exceed three years, an inquiry as detailed in Rule 14, sub-rules ([3]#clause14-3) to (24), must be held.

2. The record of proceedings in such cases must include:

   1. a copy of the intimation to the government servant of the proposal to take action against him;
   2. a copy of the statement of imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour delivered to him;
   3. his representation, if any;
   4. the evidence produced during the inquiry;it’s
   5. the advice of the Commission, if any;
   6. representation, if any, of the government servant on the advice of the Commission;
   7. the findings on each imputation of misconduct or misbehaviour; and
   8. the orders on the case together with the reasons therefor.

Communication of Orders (Rule 17)

Disciplinary orders must be shared with the government servant, including findings on each charge and, if applicable, reasons for any disagreement with the inquiring authority’s findings, advice from the Commission, and reasons for not following the Commission’s advice.

Common Proceedings (Rule 18)

When multiple government employees are involved in a case, the President or another competent authority can initiate a joint disciplinary proceeding against them. If these employees fall under different dismissal authorities, the highest authority can proceed with consent from the others.

The order for such a proceeding will outline the disciplinary authority, the penalties it can impose, and the procedural rules (rule 14, 15, or 16) to be followed.

Special Procedure in Certain Cases (Rule 19)

Despite rules 14 to 18, a disciplinary authority can impose penalties without a full inquiry if:

1. a government servant is convicted of a criminal charge,
2. it’s impractical to conduct an inquiry, or
3. it’s in the state’s security interest to avoid an inquiry.

However, the affected government servant should have a chance to respond to the proposed penalty, especially in cases of criminal conviction. Additionally, if necessary, the Commission should be consulted, and the servant should be allowed to respond to the Commission’s advice within a specified timeframe before any final decisions are made.

Provisions Regarding Officers Lent to State governments, Etc. (Rule 20)

When a government employee is loaned to another department or authority (referred to as the borrowing authority), this borrowing authority gains the power to suspend the employee or initiate disciplinary proceedings against them. However, the borrowing authority must promptly inform the original department (the lending authority) about any suspensions or disciplinary actions taken.

If, following a disciplinary proceeding, the borrowing authority believes minor penalties (as outlined in clauses (1) to (4) of Rule 11) should be applied, it can decide on the action after consulting the lending authority. In case of disagreement, the employee will be returned to the lending authority.

For more severe penalties (clauses (5) to (9) of Rule 11), the borrowing authority must return the employee to the lending authority, providing all relevant inquiry proceedings. The disciplinary authority may base its decision on the inquiry record provided by the borrowing authority or conduct further inquiry if necessary.

Provisions Regarding Officers Borrowed from State governments, Etc.

When a government servant, borrowed by one department from another or from a state or local authority, faces suspension or a disciplinary proceeding, the authority that lent the servant (the lending authority) must be promptly informed. If, after the disciplinary proceeding, it’s determined that a minor penalty (as outlined in clauses (1) to (4) of Rule 11) might be needed, the authority holding the servant (except in cases involving the Intelligence Bureau up to Assistant Central Intelligence Officer rank) should consult with the lending authority before making a decision. In case of disagreement, or if a severe penalty (clauses (5) to (9) of Rule 11 is considered necessary, the servant should be returned to the lending authority, along with the inquiry’s findings for further action.

Appeals (Part 7)

Orders Against Which No Appeal Lies (Rule 22)

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Part, no appeal shall lie against:

1. any order made by the President;
2. any order of an interlocutory nature or of the nature of a step-in-aid of the final disposal of a disciplinary proceeding, other than an order of suspension;
3. any order passed by an inquiring authority in the course of an inquiry under Rule 14.

Orders Against Which Appeal Lies (Rule 23)

Subject to the provisions of Rule 22, a government servant may prefer an appeal against all or any of the following orders, namely:

1. an order of suspension made or deemed to have been made under rule 10;
2. an order imposing any of the penalties specified in rule 11, whether made by the disciplinary authority or by any appellate or revising authority;
3. an order enhancing any penalty, imposed under rule 11;
4. an order which:
   1. denies or varies to his disadvantage his pay, allowances, pension or other conditions of service as regulated by rules or by agreement; or
   2. interprets to his disadvantage the provisions of any such rule or agreement;
5. an order:
   1. stopping him at the efficiency bar in the time scale of pay on the ground of his unfitness to cross the bar;
   2. reverting him while officiating in a higher service, grade or post, to a lower service, grade or post, otherwise than as a penalty;
   3. reducing or withholding the pension or denying the maximum pension admissible to him under the rules;
   4. determining the subsistence and other allowances to be paid to him for the period of suspension or for the period during which he is deemed to be under suspension or for any portion thereof;
   5. determining his pay and allowances:
      1. for the period of suspension, or
      2. for the period from the date of his dismissal, removal or compulsory retirement from service, or from the date of his reduction to a lower service, grade, post, time scale or stage in a time scale of pay, to the date of his reinstatement or restoration to his service, grade or post; or
   6. determining whether or not the period from the date of his suspension or from the date of his dismissal, removal, compulsory retirement or reduction to a lower service, grade, post, timescale of pay or stage in a time scale of pay to the date of his reinstatement or restoration to his service, grade or post shall be treated as a period spent on duty for any purpose.

Appellate Authority (Rule 24)

1. A government servant, including a person who has ceased to be in government service, may prefer an appeal against all or any of the orders specified in Rule 23 to the authority specified in this behalf either in the Schedule or by a general or special order of the President or, where no such authority is specified:
   1. where such government servant is or was a member of a Central Service, Group A or Group B or holder of a Central Civil Post, Group A or Group B;
   2. to the appointing authority, where the order appealed against is made by an authority subordinate to it; or
   3. to the President where such order is made by any other authority;
   4. where such a government servant is or was a member of a Central Civil Service, Group C or holder of a Central Civil Post, Group C to the authority to which the authority making the order appealed against his immediate subordinate.

Period of Limitation of Appeals (Rule 25)

An appeal made under this section will not be considered unless it is filed within a forty-five day period starting from the on which a copy of the order appealed against is delivered to the appellant.

Form and Contents of Appeal (Rule 26)

1. Appeals must be made individually in the appellant’s own name.
2. Appeals should be submitted directly to the authority which made the order appealed against, including a copy to the authority that made the original order, and must be respectful, complete, and include all key arguments and statements.
3. The authority that issued the original order must promptly send the appeal and relevant documents, along with its comments, to the appellate authority upon receiving a copy of the appeal.

Consideration of Appeal (Rule 27)

When an appeal is made against a suspension, the appellate authority evaluates if the suspension aligns with rule 10 and the specific circumstances, deciding whether to maintain or revoke it. For appeals against penalties under rule 11 or increased penalties, the authority checks if proper procedures were followed, if the disciplinary findings are supported by evidence, and if the penalty is appropriate, then decides to confirm, alter, or overturn the penalty, possibly consulting the Commission if needed. If an enhanced penalty is considered without a prior inquiry, the authority must conduct one as per the guidelines of rule 14 guidelines before making a decision. In all cases, the employee has a chance to contest the proposed penalty.

In an appeal against any other order specified in rule 23, the appellate authority shall consider all the circumstances of the case and make such orders as it may deem just and equitable.

Implementation of Orders in Appeal (Rule 28)

The authority which made the order appealed against shall give effect to the orders passed by the appellate authority.

Revision and Review (Part 8)

Revision (Rule 29)

The Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, allow for the revision of orders relating to government servants in various circumstances. Revision can be initiated by several authorities, including the President, the Comptroller and Auditor-General (for those in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department), the Member (Personnel) of the Postal Services Board (for postal service employees), the Adviser (HRD) of the Department of Telecommunications (for telecommunications employees), the Head of a Department under the Central government, the appellate authority within six months of the original order, or any other authority designated by the President. This can be done with or without an appeal being made against the original order. The revising authority may confirm, modify, or set aside the original order or penalty, impose a new penalty, remit the case for further inquiry, or take any other suitable action. However, no enhanced penalty can be imposed without giving the concerned government servant a chance to make a representation, and, where necessary, an inquiry must be conducted, and the Commission must be consulted. Revision powers are restricted to cases where the original or appellate authority is subordinate to the revising authority. Revision proceedings won’t start until the appeal period has expired or any appeal has been resolved, and revisions are processed similarly to appeals.

Review (Rule 29A)

The President can review any decision under these rules if new, significant evidence that wasn’t available before comes to light. However, before imposing or increasing any penalties, especially major ones, the President must ensure the government servant has a chance to argue their case. This includes conducting an inquiry as per rule 14, consulting with the Commission if needed, and allowing the servant to respond to the Commission’s advice within a specific timeframe, as outlined in rule 15.

Miscellaneous (Part 9)

Service of Orders, Notices, Etc. (Rule 30)

Orders, notices, and processes under these rules must be personally served or sent by registered post to the concerned government servant.

Power to Relax Time Limit and to Condone Delay (Rule 31)

Unless stated otherwise, the competent authority may extend deadlines or forgive delays for valid reasons.

Omitted (Rule 32)

Transitory Provisions (Rule 33)

Until new Schedules are published, the existing Schedules from the Central Civil Services and Civilians in Defence Services Rules as of the rules’ commencement will temporarily apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time limit for a charged officer to submit his written statement of defence on a 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 authorised 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].

What is the time limit for producing requisite documents claimed by a charged officer during enquiry?

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.

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].

What is the time period for inspecting the documents produced by the Presenting Officer for the purpose of preparing his defence?

Within five days of the order passed by the Inquiring Authority, which can be further extended not exceeding 5 days. [Sub-rule (11) (i) in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules. 1965].

What is the notice period for production of any documents, which are in possession of the 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].

What is the time limit provided for adjournment before close of the case for the Presenting Officer to produce evidence not included in the list given to the Charged officer or Inquiring Authority himself to 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].

What is the time limit for completing the inquiry and submitting a report by the 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].

Whether the time limit of 6 months decided vide notification dated 02.06.2017 is also applicable to cases where Inquiring Authority was appointed prior to 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.

What is the time limit for furnishing written representation by a 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].

What is the time limit for sending a proposal to CVC for first stage advice?

If a 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 the 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 the investigation report. [DoP&T’s O.M. No. 425/04/2012-AVD-IV(A) dated 29.11.2012].

What is the time limit to put up the case to the Disciplinary Authority after receipt of first stage advice of CVC for taking a decision to initiate disciplinary proceedings?

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].

What is the time limit to issue a charge sheet to the Charged Officer once a decision is taken by the Disciplinary Authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings?

The charge sheet should be issued to the Charged Officer within a week from the date of receipt of the decision of the Disciplinary Authority. [DoP&T’s O.M. No. 425/04/2012-AVD-IV(A) dated 29.11.2012].

What is the time limit for seeking representation of a Charged Officer on an 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. [DoP&T’s O.M. No. 11012/13/85-Estt.(A) dated 29.06.1989].

What is the time limit for seeking second stage advice from 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).

What is the time limit for concluding major penalty proceedings?

It should be completed within 18 months from the date of issue of the charge sheet to the Charged Officer. [DoP&T’s O.M. No. 372/3/2007-AVD-III (Vol.10) dated 14.10.2013].