Streamlining the Processing of Disciplinary Proceedings Cases with Approved Timeframes
The Department of Personnel and Training of the Indian Government has issued an office memorandum to review the guidelines for timely disposal of departmental proceedings against the officers of All India Services on Central Deputation. The memorandum outlines the revised timelines for the different stages involved in disciplinary proceedings and emphasizes the need for strict compliance of these guidelines to ensure that the proceedings are processed in a timely manner. The revised timelines cover the entire process, from receipt of proposals for initiation of proceedings to the issuance of the final order.
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
AVD(AVD-I/C-I)
North Block, New Delhi
Dated 03 February, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Reviewing of guidelines for timely disposal of departmental proceedings against the officers of All India Services posted on Central Deputation – reg
The undersigned is directed to refer to the subject cited above and to say that the timelines for departmental proceedings against the officers of All India Services posted on Central Deputation in respect of whom the proposals are received from concerned Ministries / Departments were last reviewed vide DoPT’s letter No. 106/7/2015-AVD.I (Part) dated 15/03/2017 [copy enclosed] in amendment of All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.
2. In this context, with a view to streamline the processing of disciplinary proceeding cases, the following timelines have further been decided with the approval of the competent authority:
| S.No. | Stages involved in Disciplinary proceedings cases | Time frame |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Receipt of the proposal from Ministry/Department for initiation of the Disciplinary Proceedings – Scrutiny of the proposal as per the requirements of Single Window System and decision as to whether to submit the matter for decision of Disciplinary Authority (DA) for initiation of the Disciplinary Proceedings case | 21 working days |
| 2 | After obtaining approval of the Disciplinary Authority (DA) and serving of the Charge Memorandum on the Charged Officer (CO), CO to submit his Written Statement of Defence (WSD), if any | Within the period of 30 days, extendable by another 30 days at a time and not exceeding 90 days from the date of receipt of the Charge Memorandum as per Rule 8(5) of AIS (D&A) Rules, 1969 |
| 3 | In case all the Charges levelled against the CO have been admitted by him, submission of the case records before the Disciplinary Authority for a tentative decision to impose a penalty and referring the matter to UPSC for statutory advice on the quantum of penalty to be imposed OR In case any or all the charges levelled against the CO have been denied by him, obtaining the para-wise comments of the concerned Ministry / Department along with the nomination of a suitable officer for the appointment as Presenting Officer |
14 working days 21 working days |
| 4 | Examination of the para-wise comments of the Ministry / Department and submission of the matter before Disciplinary Authority for the appointment of Inquiry Authority / Presenting Officer | 14 working days |
| 5 | Issue of the Order for appointment of Inquiry Authority / Presenting Officer after receiving the approval of the DA | 7 working days |
| 6 | Conduct of Inquiry Proceedings by the Inquiry Authority and submission of his Report to the Department | Within 6 months, extendable by another 6 months at a time with the approval of DA and for the reasons to be recorded in writing by the Inquiry Authority as per Rule 8(25) (a), (b) & (c) of AIS (D&A) Rules, 1969 |
| 7 | Comments of the Concerned Department / Ministry on the Report of Inquiry Authority and submission of the Disagreement Note (reasons of disagreement), if any, on the Inquiry Report | 14 working days |
| 8 | After sharing the Inquiry Report and disagreement note, if any, CO to submit his written representation, if any | Within 15 working days, as per Rule 9(2) of AIS (D&A) Rules, 1969 |
| 9 | Comments of the concerned Department / Ministry on written representation of the CO | 15 working days |
| 10 | Submission of the matter before the Disciplinary Authority for approval / tentative decision on the Inquiry Report / Disagreement Note (if any) – on whether to impose a penalty or not and to refer the case records to the UPSC for their statutory advice | 14 working days |
| 11 | Submission of the case records to the UPSC for statutory advice after receiving the tentative decision / approval of the DA | 7 working days |
| 12 | After receiving the advice of UPSC and sharing the same with the CO, CO to submit his written representation, if any | Within 15 days, extendable by 15 days for reasons to be recorded in writing. Under no circumstances, the extension shall exceed 45 days from the date of receipt of the UPSC advice as stipulated in AIS (D&A) Rules, 1969 |
| 13 | Submission of the matter before the Disciplinary Authority for a final decision in the matter | 14 working days |
| 14 | Issue of the Final Order after receiving the approval of DA | 7 working days |
3.All Ministries / Departments are requested to ensure strict compliance of the above guidelines so that the disciplinary proceedings against the officers of All India Services may be processed in a time bound manner.
(Sign of Authority)
Manoj Gupta
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
011-23040291