If a government servant retires on reaching the age of superannuation his service book may, if desired, be returned to him after his pension has been finally sanctioned. Where the service book is not given up, it should be retained for a period of five years after retirement, or until six months after the government servant's death, whichever is earlier, after which it should be destroyed. In the event of a government servant's service terminating by his death, his service book may be given to his relatives on application. Should no application be made within six months of the death of the government servant, the service books should be destroyed.The service book of a government servant who retires, resigns or is discharged from the service without fault prior to his reaching the age of superannuation, should not be given up to him before the expiry of five years from the date of retirement, resignation or discharge. If he applies for it within six months after the expiry of this period, it may be given to him after an entry about his retirement, resignation or discharge has been made therein. Should no application be made within this time-limit, the service book may be destroyed. In the case of the government servant's death, the service book should be destroyed after six months from the date of death or returned to his relatives if they apply for it within that period.When a government servant's service is terminated by dismissal or removal, his service book should be retained for a period of five years after the date of dismissal or removal or until six months after his death, whichever is earlier, after which it should be destroyed.The service book of a government servant who has been dismissed or removed and who is afterwards reinstated should on requisition be returned to the head of the office in which he is re-employed. A similar course should be adopted when a government servant has been discharged without fault or has resigned and is subsequently re-employed.
