Council shall obtain public opinion on any question of public interest and in such manner, as may be directed by the State Government.

Enquiry into Municipal matters.-(1) The State Government may order an enquiry to be held by any officer appointed by it in this behalf into any matter concerning the municipal administration of any Council or any matter with respect to which it sanction, approval or consent is required under this act.

1. (2) The officer holding such enquiry under section (64) of this Act shall for the purpose there of have the powers which are vested in a Court under the Code of Civil procedure, 1908 (V of 1908) in respect of the following matters:-
   • (a) discovery and inspection
   • (b) enforcing the attendance of witnesses; and requiring the deposit of their expenses;
   • (c) compelling the production of documents;
   • (d) examining the witnesses on oath;
   • (e) granting adjournments;
   • (f) reception of evidence taken on affidavit; and
   • (g) issuing commission for the examination of witness; and any summon and examine sue motu any person whose evidence appears to him to be material , and shall be deemed to be a Civil Court within the meaning of Sections 480 and 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure , 1898 (V of 1898).

Explanation.- For the purpose of enforcing the attendance of witnesses the local limits of such

officer's jurisdiction shall be limits of Madhya Pradesh* State.

1. (3) The reasonable expenses incurred by any person in attending to give evidence may be allowed by the officer holding the inquiry to such person and shall be deemed to be part of the costs.
2. (4) Costs shall be in the discretion of the State Government and the State Government shall have full power to determine by and to whom and to what extent such costs are to be paid, and to allow interest on costs at a rate not exceeding 6 per cent annum and such cost and interest shall be leviable as an arrear of land revenue.