Inquiry into municipal matters by Government

(1) The Government may order an inquiry to be held by any officer appointed by it in this behalf into any matters concerning the municipal administration of any Council or any matters with respect to which sanction, approval or consent of the Government is required under this Act. (2) The officer holding such inquiry shall for the purpose thereof have the powers which are vested in a Court under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in respect of the following matters:— (a) discovery and inspection, (b) enforcing the attendance of witnesses, and requiring the deposits of their expenses, (c) compelling the production of documents, (d) examination of witnesses on oath, (e) granting adjournments, (f) reception of evidence on affidavit, and (g) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses, and may summon and examine suo 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. Explanation:— For the purpose of enforcing the attendance of witnesses the local limit of such officer’s jurisdiction shall be the limits of the State of Goa. (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. (4) Costs shall be in the discretion of the Government and the Government shall have full power to determine by and to whom and to what extent such costs are to be paid and such costs shall be recoverable as an arrear of land revenue.