My dear Mr. Nelson Lopes, The Indian Army is the world’s second largest Army and the largest Army amongst any democratic country. Quite unlike some other countries there is no conscription and it is a standing volunteer Army. Citizen interest in such an Institution is healthy. But for these facts I would not have allowed myself the luxury of responding to your posts since their content by itself effectively condemns you through the infelicitous use of the English language, the shortness on facts and the height of bluster. The CCS Rules which you constantly drum about refer to, I presume, Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964. MAY I INFORM YOU THAT THE SAID RULES APPLY TO “CIVIL POST” OR TO A CIVILIAN IN DEFENCE SERVICE. They do not apply to a member of an All India Service or even a railway servant. DEFENCE SERVICE means services under the Govt.of India paid out of Defence Services Estimates and not subject to Army Act (46 of 1950) , the Navy Act 1957 (62 0f 57),and the Air Force Act (45 of 1950). To provide an illustration these Rules would apply to a civilian in Defence Service but not to a person subject to the Army Act, the Navy Act, or the Air Force Act. Persons subject to the said excluded Acts render military service and would obviously not be covered by the said Rules since their employment is not in a “CIVIL POST” . However whenever the services of a military officer are placed at the disposal of a Civilian Establishment of the Govt.of India , like the Ministry of Home Affairs, the CCS Rules may apply according to the terms of the deputation. It is my hope that you would have by now realised the difference. The difference is not of degree but of type. Unfortunately you are barking up the wrong tree. During my military service I learnt that “IT IS BETTER TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT AND LET PEOPLE WONDER WHETHER YOU ARE A FOOL,THAN TO OPEN IT AND CONFIRM IT”. The point being made, it is my desire not to engage with you further on this subject. I do however wish you well in your retirement and hope that you continue to be a useful member of civil society. With my best wishes, Gerald Fernandes
