31. Can the Inquiring Authority question the witnesses?

31. Can the Inquiring Authority question the witnesses?
Rule 14(14) explicitly provides that the Inquiring Authority may also put such
questions to the witness as it thinks fit. Two cautions must be borne in mind while
exercising this statutory right. Firstly, the parties to the proceedings acquire a right to
cross-examine the witness on the issued over which the Inquiring Authority has

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examined the wintesse. Secondly, the questions must not be with the object of
establishing the charge. Such questions may put the Inquiring Authority in the mantle
of the Presenting Officer which may lead to quashing of the proceedings on the
allegation of bias.