Procedure in inquires.

For the purpose of any inquiry under the provisions of the 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 1[Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872)] and 2[the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908)] and shall exercise all powers of a Commissioner appointed under 3[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 3[the Public Servants (Inquiries) Act, 1850 (37 of 1850)].