140. Knowledge Spectrum – Discipline FUNCTIONS OF INQUIRY OFFICER - 56
161. Does the IO have power to enforce attendance of witnesses?
IO does not have power to enforce attendance of witnesses, except when an ad hoc notification in respect of the particular inquiry has been issued by the Central Government authorizing the Inquiring Authority to exercise powers specified in Section 5 of Departmental Enquiries (Enforcement of Attendance of Witnesses and Production of Documents) Act 1972.
162. What is to be done, if a listed witness does not turn up for inquiry?
In case a Government official who has been named as a witness in a departmental proceeding fails to turn up, the matter may be reported to the higher authorities the witnesses. Para 91 of P&T Manual provides that refusal to appear as witnesses can be construed as sufficient cause for initiating disciplinary proceedings against him.
[Details regarding the remaining activities of the IO are discussed in the chapter on Conduct of Inquiry]
163. What are the post hearing activities to be performed by the IO?
During the last hearing, the 10 will fix time limit for the PO and the CO to submit their respective written briefs.
Thereafter, the lo prepares his report and submits the same to the Disciplinary Authority together with the records of the case.
164. What is the time frame within which the Inquiry is to be completed by the IO?
As per the Vigilance Manual (Ed 2005) Inquiry Report is to be submitted by the lo within six months from the date of appointment.
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