endorsement on a written application

No Government servant shall except by endorsement on a written application submitted by a candidate officially through him recommend to any selecting, appointing or promoting authority or to any individual who is a member of any such authority or of its staff any candidate for any post under the services of Government. Note—It is incorrect for a Government servant who receives an application from a subordinate or colleague for a recommendation on such application as is referred to in this rule and in the preceding rule to return the application with the endorsement -to, the Government servant concerned. The application should be forwarded to the appropriate authority through official channels.