Inquiry procedure for major penalties ensures framed charges, hearing rights, evidence, report, and opportunity to defend in disciplinary proceedings.

The regulation requires that no major penalty be imposed without a formal inquiry: the Competent Authority must frame and communicate definite articles of charge and receive a written defence; it may hold the inquiry or appoint an Inquiry Officer and a Presenting Officer. The procedure specifies notice, plea recording, provision and inspection of documents, lists of witnesses, production and cross examination of evidence, limited assistance for the employee, rules for ex parte proceedings, and a mandatory Inquiry Officer's report stating the gist of charges, the employee's defence, assessment of evidence and findings on each charge.

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