Discussion of the policy or action of Government.

Discussion of the policy or action of Government.—

(a) No Government servant shall, by any utterance, writing or otherwise discuss or criticise in public or at any meeting or association or body, any policy pursued or action taken by Government nor shall be in any manner participate in such discussion or criticism: Provided that nothing contained in this rule shall be deemed to prohibitA Government servant from particfpating in discussion at any private meeting solely of Government servants or of any recognised association of Government servants of matters which affect the personal interests of such servants individually or generally; or A Government servant from defending and explaining in public or private meetings any policy or action of Government for the purpose of removing misapprehensions and correcting mis-statements or for the purpose of effectively carrying out such policy.

Explanation:—Nothing contained in this rule shall be construed to limit or abridge the power of Government requiring any Government servant to publish and explain any policy or action of Govermnent in such manner as may appear to them to be expedient or necessary.

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