Vidhi Codex

Bare Act

The Kerala Public Servants (Inquiries) Act, 1963

General196326 sections

This Act establishes procedures for investigating misconduct claims against public servants in Kerala state. When the government believes there are enough grounds for inquiry, they must formally charge the accused in writing with specific misconduct allegations and provide all evidence. The accused gets fifteen days to submit a written defense. The government may transfer the inquiry to a subordinate court, a specialized board, or commissioners appointed for the purpose. These commissioners have significant powers similar to criminal courts to subpoena witnesses. The government may also allow the accuser to prosecute, provided the accuser gives security to act responsibly and not pursue false charges. This ensures accountability and fair procedure in governmental disciplinary matters.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title and commencement
  2. 2. Definitions
  3. 3. Articles of charge to be drawn up for public inquiry into the conduct of public servants
  4. 4. Authority to whom inquiry may be committed, Notice to accused
  5. 5. Conduct of Government prosecution
  6. 6. Charge by accuser to be written and verified. Institution of inquiry by Government
  7. 7. Security from accuser left by Government to prosecute
  8. 8. Power of Government to abandon prosecution and to allow accuser to continue it
  9. 9. Power of Commissioner
  10. 10. Penalty for disobedience to process
  11. 11. Copy of charge and list to be furnished to the accused
  12. 12. The accused to be permitted to inspect and take extracts from official records
  13. 13. Procedure at beginning of inquiry. Non-appearance of accused and admission of charge
  14. 14. Prosecutor's right of address
  15. 15. Evidence for prosecution and examination of witnesses. Re-examination by prosecutor
  16. 16. Power to admit or call for new evidence for prosecution. Accused's right to adjournment
  17. 17. Defence of accused to be recorded only when written
  18. 18. Evidence for defence and examination of witnesses
  19. 19. Notes of oral evidence
  20. 20. Inquiry when closed with defence, Prosecution when entitled to reply and give evidence
  21. 21. Power to require amendment of charge and to adjourn
  22. 22. Report of commissioner's proceedings
  23. 23. Power of Government to pass final orders
  24. 24. Saving of power of removal without inquiry under the Act
  25. 25. Power of Government to make rules
  26. 26. Repeal

PDF: pending for this language.