contention of the counsel for the petitioners that the petitioners had not been explained the meaning of the charge or that they had not understood the nature of the charge levelled against them. She submits that the provisions of the BSF Rules and Act were duly complied with, both in letter and spirit, which can be gauged from the fact that the petitioners were afforded an opportunity to choose a defending officer, whom they had selected on their own. Further, the petitioners had participated in the pre-trial proceedings, which included the Court of Inquiry proceedings, the offence report, hearing on charge and the recording of evidence. Lastly, learned counsel submits that the petitioners had all the opportunity to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses, but they had declined to do so and further, they did not comply with the provisions of Rule 48 (3) of the BSF Rules, which gives them an opportunity to offer their version and make a statement.