Rule 22 — CCS Conduct Rules
Original Rule Text
22 Government of India. (1964). Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, Rules 13–17. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. 23 Ibid., Rule 13.
Rule 13A: Dowry Prohibition
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Government servants must adhere to laws prohibiting the exchange of dowry in marriage transactions.
No government employee shall demand, give, or receive dowry directly or indirectly, as defined under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Employees found engaging in dowry-related practices are subject to strict disciplinary action, including dismissal from service24 .
To maintain public trust, government servants must ensure that their conduct in personal matters reflects the principles of equality and fairness upheld by the government.
- Rule 14: Public Demonstrations in Honor of Government Servants
Government servants are prohibited from allowing public demonstrations or receptions organized in their honor if such events may be seen as an attempt to influence their official position.
No employee shall participate in any public function, award ceremony, or felicitation event organized by individuals or institutions that have official dealings with the government. Such events may create a perception of bias and favoritism.
However, official honors and awards conferred by the government or recognized institutions are permissible, provided they do not affect the employee’s neutrality and objectivity in government service25 .
# Rule 15: Private Trade or Employment
Government servants must not engage in private business or accept employment outside their official duties unless explicitly permitted by the government.
Employees shall not:
Run a private business, trade, or commercial venture while in government service. Accept a paid or unpaid position in a private company, firm, or nongovernmental organization without prior government approval. Act as a consultant, financial advisor, or board member of any private entity engaged in business activities26 .
What This Means
This section addresses Rules 13A, 14, and 15 — covering dowry prohibition, restrictions on public demonstrations in one's honor, and the prohibition on private trade or employment. Rule 13A is a conduct-specific enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. A government servant must not demand, give, or receive dowry, either directly or through intermediaries, in connection with their own marriage or the marriage of a family member. Given that government servants hold positions of public trust, violations attract strict disciplinary action including dismissal from service, in addition to criminal prosecution under the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Rule 14 prohibits government servants from participating in, or allowing, public receptions, felicitations, or demonstrations organized in their honor if the organizing party has official dealings with the government servant's department. The concern is straightforward: an NGO, contractor, or supplier hosting an honor event for a government officer creates a perception of obligation, reciprocal favoritism, or gratitude. The rule does not prohibit all forms of recognition — government-conferred awards and honors by recognized professional institutions are permissible — but any event organized by a body with official dealings requires prior clearance.
Rule 15 is a comprehensive restriction on private trade and outside employment. A government servant must not run a business, trade, commercial venture, or accept paid or unpaid positions in private companies, firms, or NGOs without prior government approval. Even advisory or consultancy roles are covered. The only permitted exceptions are honorary work in educational, religious, or charitable institutions, provided the work does not interfere with official duties. Any violation can result in disciplinary proceedings, and in some cases, forfeiture of post-retirement commercial employment benefits.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- 1Rule 13A: Government servants must not demand, give, or receive dowry — violations attract both departmental action and criminal prosecution.
- 2Rule 14: Employees must not participate in public felicitations or honor events organized by bodies that have official dealings with their department.
- 3Prior permission from the competent authority is required before attending any honor event with potential conflict of interest.
- 4Rule 15: Government servants cannot run private businesses, trade ventures, or accept outside employment (paid or unpaid) without prior approval.
- 5Advisory, consultancy, and board roles in private entities are also covered under Rule 15.
- 6Honorary work in educational, charitable, or religious institutions is permissible if it does not interfere with official duties.
- 7Joining an elective office requires prior permission; if commercial activity is permitted, FRSR fee rules also apply.
Practical Example
Sunita, a Group A government officer, is approached by a leading law firm to serve on its advisory board on regulatory matters at a monthly fee of Rs. 50,000. Sunita cannot accept this without prior government approval under Rule 15. Even if she tries to frame it as 'honorary', the monthly fee and the nature of the engagement as a private advisory role clearly brings it under the prohibition. Accepting without permission would be misconduct.
In a separate scenario, a contractor who regularly bids for government contracts in Rohit's department organizes a 'Best Administrator' award evening and invites Rohit as the chief honoree. Rohit must decline or, if the event has legitimate broader recognition and he genuinely merits the award, must seek prior written permission from his competent authority. Attending without permission, given the official dealing with the contractor, would violate Rule 14.
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.