Rehabilitation and Resettlement Authority for disputes

Rehabilitation and Resettlement Authority for disputes.

1. (1) The State Government shall, for the purpose of providing speedy disposal of disputes relating to rehabilitation and resettlement, establish, by notification, one or more Rehabilitation and Resettlement Authorities (hereinafter referred to as the Authority) to be presided over by a person who is or has been a District Judge or is qualified to be a District Judge.
2. (2) The Authority shall exercise jurisdiction, powers and authority conferred on it by or under this Act.
3. (3) The Authority shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:—
   • (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
   • (b) discovery and production of any document or other material object produceable as evidence;
   • (c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
   • (d) requisitioning of any public record;
   • (e) issuing commission for the examination of witnesses;
   • (f) any other matter which may be prescribed.
4. (4) Any proceeding before the Authority shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) and the Authority shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).
5. (5) Any person who is not satisfied with the quantum of compensation and rehabilitation and resettlement amount as determined by the Collector, may file an application to the Authority for appropriate relief.
6. (6) The Authority may, for the purpose of deciding the matter under this Act, choose one or more persons possessing expertise in the field of rehabilitation and resettlement to assist it.
7. (7) The Authority shall pass an award in respect of the compensation and rehabilitation and resettlement within a period of six months from the date of his appointment.
8. (8) The Authority shall, after adjudication, pass an award to the affected families.