Government Rules — Questions & Answers
622 common questions answered with rule citations. Can't find your answer? Search rules or ask Niti AI.
Can a government servant marry a foreign national?
Yes, but prior permission from the government is required under Rule 21. This is distinct from Rule 18A. Financial transactions with the foreign national s...
When must the Annual Property Return be filed?
The Annual Property Return must typically be submitted by 31 January each year, covering assets as of 31 December of the previous year. Some departments ha...
Can service associations organise peaceful marches to submit memorandums?
A single organized peaceful march to submit a memorandum to the competent authority, without disrupting services, falls in a grey area. Courts have taken d...
Can a government servant lose their job solely because they married without permission?
Yes. Marrying a foreign national without permission (Rule 21) or contracting a bigamous marriage (Rule 21A) are conduct violations that can result in remov...
What permission is needed to sell ancestral property?
If the ancestral property is in the employee's name or they have a share in it, its sale is a transaction under Rule 18 and prior permission from the compe...
Does the foreign marriage restriction apply after retirement?
Rule 21 applies only during service. Retired government servants are free to marry without permission. However, post-retirement employees (re-employed on c...
Can a government servant write an op-ed praising a government policy?
Positive commentary about government policies is generally not prohibited under Rule 9 as it does not constitute criticism. However, prior clearance from t...
Does Rule 22A cover informal foster-type arrangements with a child relative?
Yes. If a government servant has a minor below 14 years performing household tasks — even a relative — it constitutes employment of a child for domestic wo...
Can a government servant take a personal loan from a bank?
Loans from banks and recognized financial institutions are permissible. The prohibition under Rule 16 targets lending/borrowing with subordinates, superior...
What if a government servant's expert opinion contradicts the government's position in a court case?
The servant must obtain prior permission and coordinate with the department's legal cell. If the department is a party to the case, the expert opinion can ...
What action follows a complaint about discourteous behavior under Rule 3A?
The complaint is typically referred to the employee's controlling officer. After a fact-finding inquiry, disciplinary proceedings under the CCS (CCA) Rules...
What is the composition of an Internal Complaints Committee under the POSH Act?
The ICC must be headed by a woman. It must include at least two other employees (preferably committed to women's causes) and one external member from an NG...
What if the same person sends small gifts frequently, each below the permissible limit?
The pattern itself is significant. Cumulative frequent gifts from a person with official dealings, even if individually small, can constitute a conduct vio...
What are the consequences of dowry violation for a government servant?
The employee faces disciplinary proceedings under the CCS (CCA) Rules 1965, which can result in dismissal. Simultaneously, criminal prosecution under the D...
If a Muslim government servant wants a second wife and their personal law permits it, must they still seek permission?
Yes. Rule 21A specifically requires prior permission even where personal law permits bigamy. The government evaluates whether the second marriage raises ad...
Who interprets whether a specific behaviour violates the Conduct Rules?
The competent authority (typically the appointing authority or the department's disciplinary authority) makes the initial determination. Appeals go to the ...
What is the difference between a 'demonstration' prohibited by Rule 7 and a permitted representation?
A formal written representation, a meeting with the competent authority to present grievances, or a resolution passed by a service association are all perm...
Can a government servant's spouse run a business?
A spouse running their own independent business is not automatically prohibited. However, if the business has official dealings with the government servant...
Can a retired officer freely criticise policies of the government they served?
Retired officers are no longer governed by CCS (Conduct) Rules. However, they must comply with post-retirement restrictions under Rule 26 (if applicable) a...
What if the government servant is recused from all decisions relating to the firm where their family member works — is that sufficient?
Recusal is the standard remedy and is usually sufficient. The competent authority documents the conflict, the servant is kept away from all decisions invol...
What happens if an employee participates in a one-day token strike called by their service association?
Even token strikes are prohibited. The employee's absence may be treated as 'dies non' (no work, no pay), and they can also face disciplinary action for pa...
Can a government servant be dismissed for a single instance of public intoxication?
A single instance is unlikely to attract dismissal but could result in a major penalty such as reduction in pay scale. Repeated instances, or an instance c...
If a false news article defames a government servant, can they immediately sue?
Not without prior government permission under Rule 19. The employee must first seek permission from the competent authority. If permission is granted, they...
Does Rule 14 apply to surprise parties organized by friends and family?
Rule 14 targets events organized by persons or bodies with official dealings. A surprise party by personal friends and family with no official dealings fal...
How should a government servant handle gifts sent by foreign dignitaries?
Gifts from foreign dignitaries or governments are covered by separate protocols under Rule 13 read with Ministry of External Affairs guidelines. Such gifts...
Does Rule 20 apply if a family member (not the employee) contacts a politician?
If the family member is acting on the employee's behalf or with their knowledge and consent, it can still be construed as canvassing attributable to the em...
Can a government servant attend a political party's public event as a private citizen?
Attendance at a political rally or public event as a private citizen is generally not prohibited, but care must be taken that the attendance is not conspic...
Can a government servant accept a free lunch from a vendor they deal with officially?
A nominal working lunch as part of an official meeting is generally permissible. However, a lavish meal, entertainment package, or sponsored dinner by a ve...
Does Rule 4 apply if the family member's employer has historical dealings with the government (but no current active contract)?
The rule applies when there are official dealings in the present or foreseeable future. Historical dealings without current engagement may not trigger the ...
Does an officer need to disclose a family relationship (such as a sibling's employment in an NGO) when seeking permission?
Yes. Full, voluntary disclosure of relevant personal relationships is essential for the competent authority to make an informed decision. Concealing such r...