Preliminary Enquiry

The first enquiry into a complaint/information is in the nature of a Preliminary Enquiry (PE). The Preliminary Enquiry is conducted by contacting the witnesses and perusing the departmental records through sources. If the Preliminary Enquiry or the complaint received discloses material, which merits further action, a Detailed Enquiry (DE) or a Regular Case (RC) will be taken up.

Detailed Enquiry

In a Detailed Enquiry, regular examination of witnesses and scrutiny of documents and records will be done. However, keeping in view the sensitivities, undue publicity in such enquiries is not desirable. The main objective in a Detailed Enquiry is to ascertain the availability of substantial evidence, which will sustain a Departmental Disciplinary Enquiry or Disciplinary Proceedings before the Tribunal or the registration of a Regular Case, as the case may be.

Regular Case

If the material thrown up in a Preliminary Enquiry or a Detailed Enquiry or a Vigilance Report makes out a prima facie case for investigation, a Regular Case (RC) is registered under section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and investigation taken up.

Prosecution / Disciplinary Tribunal Enquiry / Departmental Disciplinary Action
In cases where allegations have been wholly or partially substantiated in an enquiry or a case, the Directorate will send its Final Report to the Vigilance Commissioner. Depending on the strength of the evidence gathered during an enquiry/investigation, the DVAC recommends for prosecution in a Court of Law, enquiry by the Tribunal for Disciplinary Proceedings or Disciplinary Action by Departmental Authorities or dropping of further action. If required, the DVAC also recommends for the transfer of a Public Servant to a less sensitive post, in order to ensure a free and fair investigation/enquiry. Prosecution of a serving Public Servant in a Court of Law requires the prior sanction from the Competent Authority who is competent to remove the Public Servant from his office.