Section 12(3) in Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1965
(3)Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (4), the power to impose any of the penalties specified in Rule 11 may also be exercised, in the case of a member of a Central Civil Services, Group 'C' (other than the Central Secretariat Clerical Service), or a Central Civil Service, Group 'D' ,-(a)if he is serving in a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, by the Secretary to the Government of India in that Ministry or Department, or(b)if he is serving in any office, by the head of that office, except where the head of that office is lower in rank than the authority competent to impose the penalty under sub-rule (2).
