THE ALL INDIA SERVICES (CONDUCT) RULES, 1968
RULE 3. GENERAL:
Government of India Decisions
Prohibition from taking part in proselytizing activities under the Rules.
(1) A question was raised whether members of the Service were prohibited from taking part in proselytizing activities under these Rules. The Government of India have decided that although, under the Constitution of India, servants of the States are entitled in their private lives to profess, practice or propagate any religion freely, they should so conduct themselves in public as to leave no room for an impression that they are likely in their official dealings to favour persons belonging to any particular religion. Such an impression is bound to arise in respect of a member, who participates in bringing about or organizing conversions from one religion to another and such conduct would be even more reprehensible if, in the process, he makes use, directly or indirectly, of his official position or influence.
(2) Although a specific provision in this regard is not made in these Rules, participation in proselytizing activities may be treated as good and sufficient reason for taking disciplinary action against a member under the All India Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1955.
(3) The provisions contained in the preceding paragraph may be kept in view by the State Governments, while examining the conduct of members of the Service in this regard.
[G.I., M.H.A. letter No. (IS) 503/58-AIS (III), dated 30th May, 1958, read with O.M. No. 25/50/57-Ests. (A), dated 15th January, 1958-M. H. A. F.No. 16/39/58-AIS (III)]