Section 2 in Punishment of Office-Holders and Servants of Religious Institutions (Other than Maths and Specific Endowments Attached Thereto) Rules
2.
(a)No order imposing any punishment other than a fine under sub-section (1) of section 56 (other than an order based on facts which have led to his conviction by a Criminal Court) shall be made against any office-holder or servant unless he has been informed, in writing, of the grounds on which it is proposed to take action and has been afforded an adequate opportunity of defending himself. The grounds on which it is proposed to take action shall be reduced to the form of a definite charge or charges which shall be communicated to the person charged, together with statement of the allegations on which each charge is based and of any other circumstances which it is proposed to take into consideration in passing orders in the case. He shall be required, within a reasonable time, to put in a written statement of his defence and to state whether he desires an oral enquiry or only to be heard in person. An oral enquiry shall be held if such an enquiry is desired by the person charged or is decided upon by the trustee. At that enquiry, oral evidence shall be heard as to such of the allegations as are not admitted, and the person concerned shall be entitled to cross-examine witnesses, to give evidence in person and to have such witnesses called as he may wish, provided that the trustee may, for special and sufficient reason to be recorded in writing, refuse to call witness or require the delinquent to bear the expenses of such witnesses. After the enquiry has been completed, the person charged shall be entitled to put in, if he so desires, any further written statement of his defence. If no oral enquiry is held and if he had desired to be heard in person, a personal hearing shall be given to him. The proceedings shall contain a sufficient record of the evidence and a statement of the findings and the grounds thereof. Every order of suspension, removal or dismissal shall state the charges, the explanation and the finding on each charge with the reasons therefor.(b)In every case, where it is proposed to impose fine on the office-holder or servant, he shall be given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken against him.
