In a directive, the government has instructed them that fixing of dates for preliminary hearing and inspection of listed documents be made within four weeks. The list of documents of defence and witness and nomination of a defence assistant if not already nominated, should be done within the same period, according to an official spokesman.

Inspection of relied upon document, submission of the list of defence documents, examination of relevancy, procurement of the additional document and submission of a certificate conforming inspection of additional documents must be made within three months. The summons to the witness fixing the date for regular hearing may be issued within three months and arrangement for participation of witnesses in the regular hearing be also made within the same period.

The regular hearing on day-to-day basis must be held within three months. The written briefs must be submitted within 15 days and the inquiry report from the date of receipt of written briefs should be submitted within 30 days.

In case the above schedule was not inconsistent with existing rules, the outer time-limit of six months for completing the departmental inquiry should be adhered to.

The departmental heads have also been directed that to ensure timely completion of the inquiry, the documents asked for should be produced by their custodian within the time-limit, failing which an adverse note should be taken of the officer concerned. The Appellate Authority should decide the representation within 15 days of its receipt, failing which an adverse view should be taken against the authority concerned.