Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964
Rule 20 - Canvassing of Non-Official or Other Outside Influence
Rule 20 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 restricts a Government servant from bringing, or attempting to bring, political or other outside influence upon a superior authority in order to advance the Government servant's interests in matters connected with service under the Government.
Text of Rule 20
No Government servant shall bring or attempt to bring any political or other outside influence to bear upon any superior authority to further his interests in respect of matters pertaining to his service under Government.
Meaning and Scope of Rule 20
The rule is intended to keep decisions concerning Government service within the prescribed administrative and departmental process. A Government servant is therefore expected to use the proper official channel for representations, grievances, requests and service-related claims instead of obtaining sponsorship, pressure or intervention from a political, non-official or other outside person.
The expression "political or other outside influence" is broad. In practical terms, the prohibition applies where an employee tries to influence a superior authority through a person or channel outside the normal service hierarchy so as to secure a personal service benefit or favourable decision.
DoPT Guidance on Approaching MPs or MLAs
The Department of Personnel and Training has reiterated that a Government servant should not approach a Member of Parliament or Member of a State Legislature for sponsorship of an individual service case. DoPT treats such conduct as bringing or attempting to bring political, non-official or other outside influence within the scope of Rule 20.
What Rule 20 Prohibits
- Using political influence to obtain a favourable decision in a personal service matter.
- Seeking sponsorship of an individual service grievance through an MP or MLA.
- Using a non-official intermediary to put pressure on a superior authority.
- Attempting to bypass the prescribed departmental channel by invoking outside influence.
Service Matters Covered
The rule applies to matters pertaining to the Government servant's service under the Government. Depending on the facts, these can include representations relating to posting, transfer, promotion, disciplinary matters, seniority, pay, appointment, regularisation, leave or other service conditions where outside influence is sought to be brought upon the competent or superior authority.
Proper Course for a Service Grievance
A Government servant should ordinarily submit a representation to the competent authority through the channel prescribed by the applicable service rules and departmental instructions. Where further remedies are available, they should be pursued through the recognised administrative, statutory or judicial process rather than through political or other outside pressure.
Official Government Reference
For authoritative and updated Government instructions, readers should consult the Department of Personnel and Training. DoPT's consolidated instructions on official dealings with Members of Parliament and State Legislatures expressly refer to Rule 20 in connection with outside political influence.