Procedure and power to ascertain truth

(1) The Panchayati Adalat shall receive such evidence in suit, criminal case or proceeding as the parties may adduce any may call for such further evidence as in its opinion may be necessary for the determination of the points in issue. It shall be the duty of the Panchayati Adalat to ascertain the facts of every suit, criminal case or proceeding before it by every lawful means in its power and thereafter to make such decree or order, with or without costs, as to it may seem just and legal. It may take local investigation in the village to which the dispute relates. It shall follow the procedure prescribed by or under this Act. The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and the Indian Limitation Act, 1908, shall not apply to any suit or proceeding in a Panchayati Adalat except as provided in this Act or as may be prescribed. (2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall entitle any party to compound any offence is not compoundable under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, or to compound an offence without the permission of the bench concerned, if it is compoundable with permission under the provision of the said Code. (1) One-fifth of the total numbers of members of the Gaon Sabha including the Pradhan and Up-Pradhan shall form a quorum of a meeting of the Gaon Panchayat including the Pradhan or Up-Pradhan shall form a quorum for a meeting of the Gaon Panchayat. One-third of the total number of panches in a Circle Panchayat shall form a quorum of a meeting of the Circle Panchayat. (2) If a meeting is adjourned for want of a quorum no quorum, shall be necessary for the adjourned meeting but fresh notice of the meeting shall be given.