(c)The essential point to be kept in view in reporting on an officer is that reports should be so full as to bring out clearly his qualities, merits as well as defects, and provide adequate material for forming a correct and definite judgement as to how the services of the officer may best be utilised. As an officer's record is built up over the years, it should be possible to assess from the character report his personality, character and integrity, his abilities as well as shortcomings. The record should faithfully mirror him as a public servant. Vague remarks like "promising" "satisfactory" "not up to the mark" are not useful. Point requiring special notice are industry, intelligence, soundness of judgement, integrity, physical health, power of control and supervision, tact manners, relations with fellow officers and the public. To avoid overloading of the report, particular instances of good or bad work need not ordinarily be given. The annual confidential report must be fair and objective. It must be a properly balanced report. The reporting officer must exercise deliberate care in writing the remarks. Personal prejudices for or against a subordinate officer should be scrupulously kept out. Adulation or praise in superlative terms where it is not due, as also derogatory, abusive terms giving vent to one officer's dislike of another should find no place in these reports. Impartiality and candour are expected of a reporting officer; but restraint and caution are also necessary, particularly if an officer's integrity and good reputation are to be called in question.
