. What is mandatory question?

33. What is mandatory question?
Rule 14(18) has a provision that empowers the Inquiry Authority to question the
Charged Officer. This question shall be asked in the cases wherein the CO had not
presented himself as a witness. Probably the use of the word “shall” in the sub rule
has resulted in this being called a ‘mandatory’ question. However it must be
understood that it may not be a question at all. The purpose of this question is to
enable the CO to explain the circumstances against him. The IO is expected to
question the CO “on the circumstances appearing against him” so that the CO can
defend himself appropriately.