Will it be fair and appropriate for the PO to meet the IO unless called for a hearing

5. Will it be fair and appropriate for the PO to meet the IO unless called for a hearing? Presenting Officer is the agent of the Disciplinary Authority and his endeavour is to prove the charge. On the other hand the Inquiry Officer is an impartial authority who is required to decide the case on the basis of the evidence led before him. Notwithstanding this position, the Presenting Officer should consider himself as one assisting the Inquiry Officer in ascertaining the truth. Often it is said that the relationship between the Disciplinary Authority and the Presenting Officer is similar to that between the client and an advocate. Presenting Officer is compared to the Government Counsel. Every counsel is an officer of the court and owes a responsibility towards the court in helping the court to ascertain the truth. On the same analogy, the Presenting Officer should consider himself as an officer under the Inquiry Officer assisting the latter to ascertain the truth. Immediately on receipt of the appointment order, the Presenting Officer should get in touch with the Inquiry Officer 103 and assure him of his co-operation. It is also desirable that the Presenting Officer informs the Inquiry Officer of his address and phone number to facilitate easy communication. Needless to add, it will be unethical for a PO to influence the IO regarding the hearing and its outcome.