What is ex parte Inquiry?

1. What is ex parte Inquiry?
An inquiry in which the charged officer is not represented is known as Ex- parte
inquiry

2. What is the statutory provision regarding ex parte proceedings?
Rule 14(20) of the CCA Rules provides as under:
“ If the Government servant to whom a copy of the articles of charge has been
delivered, does not submit the written statement of defence on or before the
date specified for the purpose or does not appear in person before the
inquiring authority or otherwise fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of
this rule, the inquiring authority may hold the inquiry ex parte.”

3. What are the conditions under which ex-parte inquiry may be resorted to?
As may be seen from the above extracted provision of the Rule, ex-parte inquiry can
be resorted to only when the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) Articles of charge should have been delivered
(b) The charged officer had failed to submit the written statement of
defence on or before the specified date or
(c) Does not appear in person before the Inquiring Authority or
(d) Fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of the CCA Rules