Rule 31 — CCS (CCA) Rules
Original Rule Text
# 31. Power to relax time-limit and to condone delay
Save as otherwise expressly provided in these rules, the authority competent under these rules to make any order may, for good and sufficient reasons or if sufficient cause is shown, extend the time specified in these rules for anything required to be done: under: these rules or condone any delay.
31. Indian Supply Service, Group 'A'
What This Means
Rule 31 is a general dispensing power that allows the competent authority to extend time limits or condone delays in any action required under the rules. While specific time limits in the CCS (CCA) Rules — such as the 45-day appeal limit in Rule 25 — come with their own condonation provisions, Rule 31 serves as a residual power for all other time-bound requirements.
The power under Rule 31 is available to 'the authority competent under these rules to make any order' — meaning the authority that would normally deal with the particular action. If the disciplinary authority is required to complete an inquiry within a given time frame (as per Ministry instructions), or if an employee is required to submit their written statement within a specified period, Rule 31 enables the appropriate authority to grant an extension for 'good and sufficient reasons' or if 'sufficient cause' is shown. Both phrases imply a genuine justification, not a routine administrative convenience.
This rule reflects a general principle of administrative law: procedural deadlines are meant to ensure timely action, not to cause injustice through strict application when genuine cause for delay exists. Authorities must, however, exercise this power judiciously and not use it to repeatedly extend timelines in a way that itself causes prejudice to the employee.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- 1Rule 31 provides a general power to extend time limits and condone delay under the CCA Rules.
- 2The power is available to whichever authority is competent to make the relevant order.
- 3Extension requires 'good and sufficient reasons' — not a routine administrative request.
- 4This is a residual provision — specific condonation clauses (like Rule 25's proviso) govern their own areas.
- 5The power should be exercised judiciously; repeated extensions should not become a means to prolong proceedings unfairly.
- 6Both the employee and the department can benefit from this power — it is not one-sided.
Practical Example
Shri Sudhir Malhotra, an Under Secretary, was required to submit his written statement of defence in a disciplinary inquiry within 10 working days as per the Inquiry Officer's direction. Sudhir was hospitalised on day 5 and was unable to prepare his written statement. He applied to the Inquiry Officer for an extension of 15 days, attaching his medical certificate. The Inquiry Officer invoked Rule 31 and extended the deadline by 15 days, noting the good and sufficient reason of hospitalisation in the inquiry record.
In a separate case, the Disciplinary Authority had to pass an order within a Ministry-specified time but was engaged in field inspections in a remote area with no communication access. On return, the DA applied to the appropriate authority for condonation of the five-day overrun. Rule 31 was invoked to condone the delay, ensuring the proceedings were not vitiated by a technical deadline failure.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.