Definitions

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires — (a) "Competent Authority" means the authority competent to appoint the Inquiring Authority; (b) "Departmental inquiry" means an inquiry under and in accordance with— (i) any law made by the State Legislature or any rule made thereunder; or (ii) any rule made under articles 229, 234, or the proviso to article 309 or continued under article 313 of the Constitution of India; held into any allegation of lack of integrity against any person to whom this Act applies; (c) "Government" means the State Government of Andhra Pradesh; (d) "Inquiring Authority" means an officer or authority appointed by the competent authority to hold a departmental inquiry and includes any officer or authority, who is empowered by or under any law or rule for the time being in force to hold such inquiry; (e) "lack of integrity" includes bribery or corruption and any mala-fide act of omission or commission; (f) "Notification" means notification published in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette and the word "notified" shall be construed accordingly; (g) "Prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (h) "State" means the State of Andhra Pradesh.