What is the scope of verification of appointment order and the enclosed documents

4. What is the scope of verification of appointment order and the enclosed documents? It is desirable that the IO scrutinizes the order appointing him as IO and the enclosed documents thoroughly. Firstly, the appointment of Inquiry Officer is required to be made by the Disciplinary Authority and no one else. When the President is the Disciplinary Authority, the order of appointment of the I O may be signed by any authority that is competent to sign communications on behalf of the President. At any rate the Order should indicate that the appointment of IO is being made by the President only. Any deviation in this regard will constitute an incurable defect in the Inquiry. The complete proceedings will be liable to be quashed if the IO had been appointed by someone other than the Disciplinary Authority. Similarly, there may be situation wherein the charged officer, while denying the charges, might have quoted a reference number different from the one mentioned in the charge sheet. It is desirable to resolve such discrepancies at the initial stage before it becomes too late.