Inquiry by Commission

Inquiry by Commission.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Commission may initiate a suo-moto inquiry on matters relating to its mandate and for the purpose of the inquiry, the Commission shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) in respect of the following matters, namely:—

1. (i) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
2. (ii) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
3. (iii) receiving evidence on affidavits;
4. (iv) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;
5. (v) issuing summons for the examination of witnesses; and
6. (vi) such other matters, as may be prescribed.

1. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the Commission may during inquiry of any complaint under this Act, examine any record to which this Act applies which is under the control of public authority or private entity, and no such record shall be withheld from it on any ground.
2. (3) In case of non-compliance of directions of the Commission by the public authority, it may recommend to the higher public authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the defaulting officer, and in case of non- compliance by a private entity, it may recommend the respective legal Authority to proceed against it as per law.