What procedure is to be followed during ex-parte proceedings?

8. What procedure is to be followed during ex-parte proceedings?
During ex-parte proceedings, the Presenting Officer should be directed to lead
evidence and establish the charge.
As the Charged Officer does not participate in the proceedings, the stage of cross –
examination of State Witnesses may not take place. However, the Inquiring Authority
is at liberty to put questions as it thinks fit. Power in this regard has been given under
Rule 14(14) of the CCA Rules. Inquiring Authority should however ensure that the
questions put by it are not such as to establish the charge. Any questions of this
nature may present the Inquiring Authority as wearing the mantle of Presenting
Officer and cast aspersions on its neutrality.
Even though the Charged Officer is not attending the Inquiry, the Inquiring Authority
should ensure that copies of all the documents relating to the inquiry are sent to the
Charged Officer – for example the Daily Order Sheets, statements of the witnesses,
written brief of the Presenting officer, etc.
The Inquiring Authority should submit its report to the Disciplinary Authority together
with other documents as in any other inquiry.
9. Can the Charged Officer be allowed to