(1) When it is proposed to impose any of the minor penalties specified in clauses (a) to (d) of regulation 27, the employee shall be informed in writing of the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour against him and given an opportunity to submit his written statement of defence within a specified period (not being less than 15 days from the date of receipt of statement of imputations). The defence statement, if any, submitted by the employee shall be taken into considerations by the disciplinary authority before passing orders.
(2) The record of the proceedings shall include, -
(i) a copy of the statement of imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour delivered to the employee ;
(ii) his defence statement if any; and
(iii) the orders of the disciplinary authority together with the reasons thereof.
Provided if it is decided to impose any penalty either to withhold increments for more than three years or to impose a penalty of withholding of increment and which would adversely affect retirement benefits with cumulative effect, the procedure of holding enquiry under Regulation 29 will be followed.
(3) Before imposing any penalty, the disciplinary authority may forward the report of the inquiry to the delinquent official with the following endorsement :- “The report of the Inquiry Officer is enclosed. The Disciplinary Authority will take an appropriate view after considering the reply. If the delinquent officer is to make any representation, he may do so within 15 days.” Wherever the charges are not proved and disciplinary authority agrees with the findings of the Inquiring Authority, and decided to "exonerate", copy of the inquiry report need not be sent.