CCS (Conduct) Rules — Rule 4 to Rule 8
Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 | CSS ADDA Study Notes
RULE 4
Employment of Near Relatives in Companies or Firms
1. Use of Influence
- ⛔A government servant is strictly prohibited from using their position or influence — directly or indirectly — to secure a job for any family member in any private company or firm.
2. Restrictions on Group 'A' Officers
- 🔒Sanction Required: Group 'A' officers must obtain previous sanction from the Government before allowing a son, daughter, or dependent to accept employment in:
- 🏢Any firm they have official dealings with.
- 🤝Any firm that has official dealings with the Government.
⏳ Urgency Exception
- ⚡If the job cannot wait for prior permission, the officer must report immediately. Employment is then provisional until formal permission is granted.
3. Mandatory Intimation (Reporting)
- 📢General Rule: Every government servant must notify the prescribed authority as soon as a family member accepts a job in a company or firm.
- ⚠️Conflict Disclosure: Must also state whether they currently have or had any official dealings with that firm.
- ✅Group 'A' Exception: If sanction already obtained or report sent under section 2, no additional intimation is needed.
4. Handling Official Matters & Contracts
- 🚷Recusal: Must not handle any matter, contract, or sanction involving a firm if a family member is employed there or has any other interest.
- 🔄Procedure: The matter must be referred to an official superior for settlement.
GOVT. OF INDIA DECISIONS
- 🎯Balancing Act: Government does not want to stop qualified relatives from finding work, but must ensure officers stay under no obligation to private firms.
- 📜Rule for Group 'A' Officers: If a son, daughter, or dependent wants to work for a firm the officer has official dealings with, the officer must report to Government and obtain prior permission.
- ⚡If urgent — report immediately; employment treated as provisional until approval.
- 📢Mandatory Disclosure: If a contract proposal involves a firm where a relative is employed, the officer must declare the conflict.
- 🚫Recusal: Must desist from handling the case after declaring the conflict.
- ⚖️Handover: Case to be transferred to an officer of equivalent or superior standing.
- 🗂️Initial Filing: All new employees (except Group D/Class IV) must provide details of close relations using a specific proforma upon first appointment.
- 📁Information kept in the employee's confidential report dossier.
- 🔄Annual Updates: Changes must be reported at the end of each year to the Ministry or Department.
PYQ — UPSC SO/STENO LDCE 2025
Rule 4 · Members of Family
In the context of Rule 4 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 relating to 'employment of near relatives of Government servants in companies or firms', which of the following are included in the definition of "Members of Family"?
- Father dependent on the Government servant
- Brother-in-law (sister's husband) not dependent on the Government servant
- Unmarried daughter wholly dependent on the Government servant
- Sister-in-law (brother's wife) not dependent on the Government servant
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
✅ Correct Answer: A — 1 and 3 only
"Members of Family" under Rule 4 includes only dependent relatives. A father dependent on the Government servant (1) and an unmarried daughter wholly dependent (3) qualify. Brother-in-law (2) and sister-in-law (4) who are not dependent on the Government servant are excluded from the definition.
"Members of Family" under Rule 4 includes only dependent relatives. A father dependent on the Government servant (1) and an unmarried daughter wholly dependent (3) qualify. Brother-in-law (2) and sister-in-law (4) who are not dependent on the Government servant are excluded from the definition.
RULE 5
Taking Part in Politics and Elections
1. General Political Activity
- 👥Membership: A government servant cannot be a member of, or associated with, any political party or organization that takes part in politics.
- 🚩Taking part in any political movement or activity is strictly prohibited.
- 💸Subscribing money or aid to political movements is not permitted.
- 🤝Assisting a political movement in any other manner is also a violation.
2. Responsibility Regarding Family
- 🛑Duty to Prevent: Must try to prevent family members from participating in or assisting any subversive movement.
- 📝Reporting: If unable to prevent such involvement, must submit a formal report to the Government.
3. Final Authority
⚠️ Important
- 🏛️Whether any organisation is "political" or any activity is "subversive" — the decision of the Government is final and binding.
4. Conduct During Elections
- 🚫Must not canvass, interfere with, or use influence in any election for a legislature or local authority.
- ✅Right to Vote: May exercise the franchise — but must not indicate how they propose to vote or have voted.
- 📋Assisting in election conduct as a legally assigned official duty (e.g., Polling Officer) is not a violation.
⚠️
EXPLANATION: Displaying an electoral symbol on one's person, vehicle, or residence is strictly considered "using influence" and is a violation of Rule 5.
GOVT. OF INDIA DECISIONS — RULE 5
The following organisations and activities are strictly prohibited for Government Servants under Rule 5(1).
2
Prohibited Orgs
58
Anand Marg Bodies
2
Other Prohibited
∞
All Political Parties
Specifically Identified Organisations
📄
Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh (RSS) Prohibition Removed — July 2024
▼- ✓RSS has been removed from the prohibited list vide DoPT OM dated 9th July 2024.
- !General Rule 5(1) continues to apply — a GS must still ensure that any association does not amount to participation in a political activity.
Earlier Position (now superseded): RSS was previously listed as prohibited alongside Jamaat-e-Islami. That prohibition has been withdrawn w.e.f. 9th July 2024.
🕌
Jamaat-e-Islami Continues to be Prohibited
▼- ✕Membership continues to be prohibited — not affected by the 2024 OM.
- ✕Activities consistently held to be political in character — disciplinary action applies.
- ✕No patronage to be extended; no notice to be taken of petitions on communal basis.
⚠️
Any disregard is a serious act of indiscipline. In appropriate cases, action may also be taken under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution.
🔱
Anand Marg & All 58 Affiliated Bodies
▼- ✕Membership of or participation in activities of Anand Marg or any of its 58 affiliated bodies attracts Rule 5(1).
58 bodies include: VSS · Amra Bengali · Progressive Federation of India · Proutist Forum · various regional Samaj bodies · AMURT · Women's Welfare Dept · Renaissance Artists & Writers Assoc · Ek Manav Samaj · All Universal Proutist Federations and more.
🏛️
Political Parties & Political Activities — General
▼- ✕No GS shall be a member of or associated with any political party or organisation which takes part in politics.
- ✕No GS shall take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any manner any political movement or activity.
- ✕Canvassing, interfering or using influence in connection with any election to a Legislature or local authority.
- ✕Proposing or seconding a candidate — constitutes "taking part in an election" under Rule 5(4).
- ✕Arranging crowds for political rallies or organising transport for such rallies.
⚠️
"Superior orders" is not a defence. Rule 3(2) makes clear a GS cannot evade responsibilities by citing orders of a superior officer.
The following require prior permission from the competent authority before a Government Servant may join or participate.
🏗️
Bharat Sewak Samaj — Joining & Participation
▼- !A GS wishing to join must obtain prior permission from the Head of Office or Department.
- ✓Permission should be freely granted if participation will not interfere with official duties.
🗣️
Foreign Language Classes — Indo-Foreign Cultural Organisations
▼- !Must obtain prior permission from the Ministry or Office before joining foreign language classes conducted by Indo-Foreign Cultural Organisations.
🏅
Holding Elective Office in Any Organisation
▼- !Under Rule 15, prior permission of the Government is essential if a GS seeks to hold an elective office in any organisation.
These activities are permitted without prior sanction, but the Government Servant must keep the relevant authority informed.
🤝
Sanyukta Sadachar Samiti — Membership
▼- ✓Central GS are free to join — no prior permission required.
- !Membership must be with the knowledge of the Head of the Department concerned.
- ✕Must NOT use the Samiti forum to lodge complaints against Government servants or agencies.
☮️
Moral Re-armament Movement — Non-Political Activities Only
▼- ✓Post-1999, GS may associate with non-political activities of the Movement.
- !Must keep Head of Department informed; HoD may ask disassociation.
- ✕Political or politically-slanted activities remain prohibited.
The following are expressly permitted rights and activities for Government Servants.
🗳️
Right to Vote at Elections
▼- ✓A GS qualified to vote may exercise the right of franchise.
- ✕Must not give any indication of the manner in which he proposes to vote or has voted.
📌
Occasional Attendance at Public Political Meetings
▼- ✓Occasional attendance may not be construed as participation — only if all three conditions are simultaneously satisfied.
- ✕Frequent or regular attendance is construed as assisting a political movement.
Condition (a) — Public MeetingMust be a public meeting.
Condition (b) — Lawful MeetingNot held contrary to any prohibitory order.
Condition (c) — Passive Attendance OnlyThe GS must not speak at the meeting, nor take any active or prominent part.
⚙️
Election Duty Imposed by Law
▼- ✓Assisting in the conduct of an election in due performance of a duty imposed by or under any law is permitted — e.g., Returning Officer, Presiding Officer, Polling Officer.
- !Must be and appear to be absolutely impartial, independent and neutral.
Foundational principles that run across all Government of India decisions on Rule 5.
🔍 Personal Responsibility of the Government Servant
It is the positive duty of the GS to satisfy himself that any organisation he proposes to join is not objectionable under Rule 5. A plea of ignorance will not be tenable.
🏛️ Central Government Decides What is "Political"
Under Rule 5(3), if any question arises whether a party is political or whether any organisation takes part in politics, the Central Government shall decide. This power was exercised in July 2024 to remove RSS from the prohibited list.
⚖️ Appearance of Neutrality is as Important as Actual Neutrality
Government servants must not only maintain political neutrality but must also appear to maintain it.
📢 Absolute Impartiality in Official Election Duties
Officers on election duty must be and appear to be absolutely impartial, independent and neutral at scrutiny of nominations, polling and counting.
PYQ — UPSC SO/STENO LDCE
Rule 5 · Elections
Under Rule 5(4) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, a Government servant is prohibited from using his influence in connection with an election. However, which of the following is NOT a violation of Rule 5?
- Canvassing for votes for a candidate
- Exercising the right to vote without disclosing how he voted
- Proposing the name of a candidate at the time of filing nomination
- Displaying an electoral symbol on his vehicle
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
✅ Correct Answer: B — 2 only
A Government servant is entitled to exercise his right to vote, provided he does not disclose how he voted or how he proposes to vote. Options 1, 3, and 4 are all violations — canvassing, proposing a candidate, and displaying an electoral symbol all constitute "using influence" under Rule 5.
A Government servant is entitled to exercise his right to vote, provided he does not disclose how he voted or how he proposes to vote. Options 1, 3, and 4 are all violations — canvassing, proposing a candidate, and displaying an electoral symbol all constitute "using influence" under Rule 5.
RULE 6
Joining of Associations by Government Servants
- 🚫No Government servant shall join or continue to be a member of any association whose objects or activities are prejudicial to:
- 🇮🇳The sovereignty and integrity of India
- 🛡️Public order
- ⚖️Morality
GOVT. OF INDIA DECISIONS
- 🏛️In the JCM National Council meeting held on 28.01.1977, the Staff Side raised concern that without clear guidelines, any authority at any level could proceed against an employee under Rule 6 without proper justification.
- 📋Since a comprehensive and exhaustive enumeration of all objects or activities attracting Rule 6 is not practicable, it was decided that:
⚠️ Safeguard Against Arbitrary Action
- 🔒Action for alleged violation of Rule 6 can be taken only when an authority not below the level of Head of Department has decided that the objects/activities of the Association attract Rule 6.
- ❓Where the Head of Department is himself in doubt, he shall seek advice of the Administrative Ministry/Department before initiating action.
MHA, Deptt. of Personnel & A.R. No. 11013/2/77-Estt.(A), dated 7th June, 1978
- 📌A growing tendency has been noticed of Government servants affixing posters and notices on walls, doors, etc., of Government offices and buildings.
- 📜As per Deptt. of Labour & Employment OM dated 9th May 1961, recognized associations/trade unions may display only prescribed notices on notice boards with permission of competent authority, at specified places.
⚠️
Explanation: This facility does not confer any right on individual Government servants or unrecognized associations to display posters or notices on walls/doors of office premises.
- ⚠️Government servants who affix posters/notices in violation of these instructions render themselves liable to appropriate action.
PYQ — UPSC SO/STENO LDCE
Rule 6 · Associations
Under Rule 6 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, action for alleged violation (joining a prohibited association) can be initiated by a disciplinary authority only when a decision to this effect has been taken by an authority not below the level of:
- Joint Secretary to the Government of India
- Head of Department
- Secretary to the Government of India
- Any Gazetted Officer
Select the correct answer:
✅ Correct Answer: B — Head of Department
As per the Government of India decision under Rule 6 (MHA OM dated 7th June 1978), action can be initiated only when an authority not below the level of Head of Department has decided that the objects or activities of the association attract Rule 6. Where the HoD is in doubt, he must consult the Administrative Ministry/Department.
As per the Government of India decision under Rule 6 (MHA OM dated 7th June 1978), action can be initiated only when an authority not below the level of Head of Department has decided that the objects or activities of the association attract Rule 6. Where the HoD is in doubt, he must consult the Administrative Ministry/Department.
RULE 7
Demonstrations and Strikes
No Government servant shall —
- Engage himself or participate in any demonstration which is prejudicial to the interests of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or which involves contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
- Resort to or in any way abet any form of strike or coercion or physical duress in connection with any matter pertaining to his service or the service of any other Government servant.
GOVT. OF INDIA DECISIONS
- 🚫Any Government servant who is an office-bearer or member of the Executive Committee of a Service Association should not deal in his official capacity with any representation or other matters connected with that Association.
MHA OM No. 24/1/60-Estt.(B), dated 25.01.1960
- 📖"Strike" means refusal to work or stoppage or slowing down of work by a group of employees acting in combination, and includes:
- Mass absentation from work without permission (wrongly described as "mass casual leave")
- Refusal to work overtime where such overtime work is necessary in the public interest
- Resort to practices likely to result in cessation or substantial retardation of work — including 'go-slow', 'sit-down', 'pen-down', 'stay-in', 'sympathetic' or any similar strike; and absence for participation in a Bandh or similar movement
⚠️ Important Note
- 📋The list is only illustrative and not exhaustive. Disciplinary action can be taken against Government servants resorting to such actions for violation of Rule 7(ii).
- ⛔"Gherao" — involving forcible confinement of public servants within office premises — constitutes acts prejudicial to public order and involves criminal offences such as wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement, criminal trespass, or incitement to commit offences.
- 🚨Such acts are subversive of discipline and harmful to public interest. The following action must be taken:
- Disciplinary action to be taken against prominent participants for contravention of Rules 3 and 7 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
- Absence from work on account of participation shall be treated as unauthorized absence involving break in service. It shall not be regularized as leave of any kind.
- A written report shall be made to the Officer-in-charge of the Police Station having jurisdiction for registration of the offence.
- If Police takes no action, a complaint shall be filed before the appropriate Magistrate. A petition before the High Court may be filed after taking legal advice.
ℹ️ Additional Guidance (3A)
- 🕵️The assistance of the Officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation (if available locally) may be taken in drafting the complaint and deciding how evidence should be collected and produced.
OM No. 25/S.11/67-Ests.(A), dated 13th April, 1967
- 👁️It has been noticed that when political demonstrations are held near Government offices, Government employees come out to witness them, sometimes getting mixed up with demonstrators.
⚠️ Advisory
- 🏢Employees are advised to stay inside their offices on such occasions and keep away from demonstrators or the crowd near the place of demonstration.
PYQ — UPSC SO/STENO LDCE
Rule 7 · Strike Definition
Which of the following is/are included in the definition of "Strike" as clarified by Government of India under Rule 7(ii) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964?
- Mass absentation from work without permission ("mass casual leave")
- Refusal to work overtime where overtime is necessary in public interest
- Participation in a Bandh
- 'Go-slow' or 'pen-down' strike
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
✅ Correct Answer: D — 1, 2, 3 and 4
All four are explicitly included in the Government of India clarification on the definition of "strike" under Rule 7(ii). The list is illustrative and not exhaustive. Mass casual leave, refusal of overtime in public interest, participation in a Bandh, go-slow and pen-down strikes — all constitute "strike" and attract disciplinary action.
All four are explicitly included in the Government of India clarification on the definition of "strike" under Rule 7(ii). The list is illustrative and not exhaustive. Mass casual leave, refusal of overtime in public interest, participation in a Bandh, go-slow and pen-down strikes — all constitute "strike" and attract disciplinary action.
RULE 8
Connection with Press or Other Media
1. General Restriction
- 🚫No Government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government, wholly or in part — own, conduct, or participate in the editing or management of any newspaper, periodical publication or electronic media.
2. Exception — Bona Fide Official Duties
✅ Exception
- 📖Sub-rule (1) shall not apply in case a Government servant in the bona fide discharge of his official duties publishes a book or participates in a public media.
3. Mandatory Disclaimer
- 🔖A Government servant publishing a book or participating in public media shall at all times make it clear that the views expressed are his own and not that of Government.
GOVT. OF INDIA DECISIONS
- 🎙️Government servants are not required to obtain any sanction to broadcast on All India Radio if such broadcasts are of a purely literary, artistic or scientific character. The onus of ensuring this rests on the Government servant.
- 💰Where no sanction is required for such broadcasts, no separate permission is necessary to receive the honorarium under F.R. 46(b).
ℹ️ Where Sanction IS Required
- ✅Where sanction to broadcast is required and is granted, such sanction shall be taken to carry with it also the sanction to receive the honorarium.
📌 Applicability
- 🏛️These orders apply to employees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department also (issued in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General).
PYQ — UPSC SO/STENO LDCE
Rule 8 · Press & Media
Consider the following statements regarding Rule 8 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964:
- A Government servant can own a newspaper with the previous sanction of the Government.
- A Government servant publishing a book in bona fide discharge of official duties does not require prior sanction.
- A Government servant participating in a public media broadcast in official capacity need not clarify that views are his own.
- Broadcasting on All India Radio on literary subjects does not require sanction under Rule 8.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: A — 1, 2 and 4 only
Statement 3 is incorrect — even when participating in public media in bona fide official duties, a Government servant must always make it clear that views expressed are his own and not that of the Government. Statements 1, 2, and 4 correctly reflect Rule 8 and the GOI decision on AIR broadcasts.
Statement 3 is incorrect — even when participating in public media in bona fide official duties, a Government servant must always make it clear that views expressed are his own and not that of the Government. Statements 1, 2, and 4 correctly reflect Rule 8 and the GOI decision on AIR broadcasts.