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Published : 24 Jul 2025, 03:31 AM
The interim government has issued the Government Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, replacing the controversial term “disobedience” and redefining it as “misconduct disrupting public duty”.
The amended ordinance was published in the official gazette on Wednesday night and comes into effect immediately.
It outlines three categories of disciplinary offences and introduces a revised Section 37 (Ka), under the heading “Special provisions relating to conduct and punishment of public servants”.
It specifies that, regardless of existing service rules under the law, a government employee may face disciplinary action if they:
• disobey a lawful order of a superior authority, violate or obstruct implementation of any government order, notification or directive without legal grounds, or provoke others to do so
• remain absent from work in coordination with other employees without leave or reasonable cause
• obstruct another government employee from attending duty or performing their responsibilities
Such actions will now be considered as “misconduct disrupting public duty” and will be punishable under the ordinance.
The previous definition, which said an employee would be considered disobedient if they engaged in any act that influenced others to disobey or disrupt discipline or hinder official duties, has been omitted.
The punishment provisions under the revised law include demotion to a lower rank or salary grade, compulsory retirement, and dismissal from service.
In contrast, the earlier ordinance had allowed for demotion, removal, or dismissal as possible disciplinary actions.
The amendment also mandates the formation of a three-strong inquiry committee instead of a single investigator, with at least one female member included.
Employees will still be allowed to defend themselves in such proceedings.
Unlike the previous version, the new ordinance, however, does not permit appeals against the president’s decision.
