What is a charge

1. What is a charge? Para 14.2 of Chapter X of the Vigilance Manual (Fifth Edition 1991) provides as under: A charge may be described as the prima-facie proven essence of an allegation setting out the nature of the accusation in general terms, such as, negligence in the performance of official duties, inefficiency, acceptance of sub-standard work, false measurement of work executed, execution of work below specification, breach of a conduct rule, etc. a charge should briefly, clearly and precisely identify the misconduct/misbehavior. It should also give time, place and persons or things involved so that the public servant concerned has clear notice of his involvement. A charge is essentially an omission or a commission. It articulates that the charged official has committed something which should not have been done or has failed to do something which he ought to have done.