Inquiry into municipal matters by State Government.

(1) The State Government may after giving the municipality an opportunity of being heard order an inquiry to be held by any officer appointed by it in this behalf into any matters concerning the municipal administration of any municipal borough or any matters with respect to which its sanction, approval or consent is required under this Act.

(2) The officer holding such inquiry shall for the purposes thereof have the powers which are vested in a Court under the 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) examining witnesses on oath,

(e) granting adjournments,

(f) reception of evidence taken on affidavit, and

(g) issuing commission 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 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 limits of such officer's jurisdiction shall be the limits of the State of Gujarat.

(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 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 percent per annum; and such costs and interest shall be leviable as an arrear of land revenue.