Procedure in inquires

For the purpose of any inquiry under the provisions of this Act, the Council or any committee appointed under sub- section (1) of section 17 shall be deemed to be a court within the meaning of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 ( 1 of 1972) and the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 (5 of 1908) and shall exercise all powers of a Commissioner appointed under the Public Servants (Inquiries) Act, 1850 ( 37 of 1850) and such inquiries shall be conducted, as far as may be, in accordance with the provisions of section 5 and sections 8 to 20 of the Public Servants (Inquiries)